On August 12, 2025, a 15-year-old girl jumped from the first floor of the Madras High Court building in Chennai, India, following a custody hearing involving her divorced parents. The girl survived the fall but sustained serious injuries and was immediately rushed to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital for treatment.
The incident occurred after the girl's father filed a habeas corpus petition seeking her custody, arguing that her mother had remarried. The girl, who had been living with her mother in the Andaman Islands, was brought to Chennai by the Neelankarai police and presented before a division bench of Justices M.S. Ramesh and V. Lakshminarayanan on August 8, 2025. During the hearing, she expressed her desire to live with her mother in the Andamans.
However, after reviewing a confidential report from a mediation center, the court concluded that it would not be safe or conducive for her to return there. The court then ordered that the girl be placed in a Government Children's Home for Girls in Kellys, Chennai, and undergo a psychiatric evaluation at the Institute of Mental Health, Kilpauk. The evaluation report was to be submitted in a sealed cover by August 26, 2025.
Distressed by the court's decision, the girl reportedly attempted to flee as she was being escorted through the court corridors. According to police, she tried to hold onto serial lights that were set up for Independence Day celebrations, but lost her balance and fell from the first floor. However, some reports suggest that the girl intentionally jumped from the building in a suicide attempt. A lawyer present at the scene stated that it appeared to be an accident during an attempt to escape from the police, but only a proper inquiry would confirm the reason.
The incident has prompted investigations by both the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Tamil Nadu Police. The case has been adjourned to August 28, 2025, pending further inquiry and the submission of the psychiatric assessment report.
This unfortunate event highlights the emotional distress that can arise in custody battles and the importance of considering the child's well-being in such legal proceedings. It also raises concerns about the support systems available to children and families navigating these challenging situations.
It is important to note that suicide is never a solution to any problem. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please seek help from qualified professionals. The 'Disha' Helpline offers free counseling and support services at 1056 or 0471-2552056.
