In India, when determining child custody, the court considers various factors to ensure the child's best interests are prioritized. These factors typically include: Child's Welfare: The primary consideration is the welfare of the child. The court assesses the child's physical, emotional, and psychological needs and ensures that the custody arrangement is in the child's best interests. Child's Preference: Depending on the child's age and maturity, the court may take into account the child's preference regarding custody arrangements. However, the court ultimately decides based on what is best for the child. Parent-Child Relationship: The court evaluates the nature and quality of the relationship between each parent and the child. Factors such as caregiving, bonding, emotional support, and involvement in the child's upbringing are considered. Parental Fitness: The court assesses each parent's ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment for the child. This includes factors such as physical and mental health, financial stability, parenting skills, and lifestyle. Child's Education and Upbringing: The court considers how each parent plans to support the child's education, healthcare, extracurricular activities, religious upbringing (if applicable), and overall development. Safety and Protection: The court prioritizes the safety and protection of the child. It considers any history of abuse, neglect, domestic violence, substance abuse, or criminal behavior by either parent when making custody decisions. Siblings and Extended Family: If there are siblings, the court may prefer to keep them together unless it is not in their best interests. The involvement and support of extended family members may also be considered. Stability and Continuity: The court may favor arrangements that provide stability and continuity in the child's life, such as maintaining consistent routines, living in familiar surroundings, and minimizing disruptions. Co-Parenting Ability: The court assesses the parents' willingness and ability to cooperate, communicate effectively, and facilitate a positive co-parenting relationship for the benefit of the child. Best Interest Standard: Ultimately, the court applies the "best interest of the child" standard, which means that the custody decision is based on what is most beneficial for the child's overall well-being, growth, and development. It's important to note that custody arrangements can vary based on the specific circumstances of each case, and the court may also consider other relevant factors as deemed necessary.