The petition has been filed by the mother of Veslina G.R., a child born on 21.06.2009 at United States of America seeking to be appointed as guardian of Veslina and to be granted permanent custody. The respondent is the husband of the petitioner/father of the minor child.

2. The marriage between the petitioner and the respondent was performed on 25.10.1998 at Vellore according to Christian rites and customs. They have a male child Lauxley G.R. Pandian, who was born on 24.07.1999. Veslina is their second child. Since she was born in United States of America. She is a citizen of that country.

3. In the petition, it had been alleged that the respondent exhibited a change in behaviour and began to verbally and physically abuse the petitioner. She had to take a decision to move over to United States of America for her job prospects. The respondent also came there on a dependent visa. Since the marriage had irretrievably broken down, the petitioner had filed I.D.O.P.No. 89 of 2019 before the Family Court at Chengalpattu. Subsequently, the petition has been transferred to the Principal Family Court, at Chennai.

4. In the petition, it had been claimed that Veslina is just 10 years old an