J U D G M E N T

Shaffique, J.

This appeal is filed by the respondents in GOP 1299/2014 in a petition to appoint the respondent herein as the guardian of a minor male child and for permanent custody. By the impugned order dated 16/1/2017, the Family Court, Thrissur had appointed the respondent as guardian of the person of the minor child and permanent custody has been given to him. However, visitation rights had been permitted as far as petitioners herein are concerned. Aggrieved by this order, the appeal is filed by the respondents in the OP. Parties are referred to as shown in the original petition.

2. The petitioner in the original petition is the father of the minor male child aged 5 years. The marriage between the petitioner and late Liji was held on 4/6/2008 as per Hindu custom religious rites and ceremonies. A child was born in the wedlock on 5/12/2011. The respondents are the maternal grand parents of the minor. In the petition it was contended that his wife was a diabetic patient and her condition deteriorated even after prolonged treatment and she died on 27/7/2014. After the completion of the ceremonies relating to the death of his wife, though he wanted to take the child t