Twinkle Goel v. State NCT of Delhi: Uniform Parenting Plans and Child Access Guidelines (2026)

Why this case matters

The petition raised a systemic question rather than merely one family’s custody dispute: should Delhi develop more uniform parameters for parenting plans, guardianship and child visitation so that access orders become predictable, child-centred and easier to enforce?

The problem identified

Family Courts frequently craft access arrangements case by case. That flexibility is necessary because every child is different, but excessive inconsistency can also produce uncertainty about weekends, holidays, school events, telephone access, travel, handover points and consequences of non-compliance.

What the Delhi High Court did

The Court permitted a detailed representation to be made to the Registrar General for consideration by the appropriate committee or authority. The order therefore did not create a rigid statutory parenting formula. Its importance lies in institutional recognition that structured parenting-plan guidance deserves consideration.

What a parenting plan can cover

ordinary weekday and weekend schedules;
summer, winter and festival holidays;
birthdays and special occasions;
school meetings and extracurricular events;
video and telephone communication;
passport and travel arrangements;
medical and educational decision-making;
handover location and transportation;
information-sharing between parents;
procedure for temporary schedule changes.

Why standardized principles can help

Clear parenting plans reduce ambiguity and can lower enforcement litigation. They also make it harder for either parent to manipulate vague phrases such as “reasonable visitation”. A detailed order tells the child and both parents what the arrangement actually requires.

But one-size-fits-all custody is inappropriate

Uniform guidance should not become automatic equal physical custody. Welfare remains individual. An infant, school-going child, teenager, child with special needs and child whose parents live in different countries may require entirely different schedules.

Practical drafting lessons

When seeking visitation, parties should consider presenting a proposed parenting plan rather than merely asking for “access”. A calendar-based proposal assists the court and forces the applicant to address practical questions such as school timings, travel and handovers.

Connection with shared parenting

The case fits into a broader judicial movement toward structured co-parenting where circumstances permit. Shared parenting is not a parental entitlement to equal time; it is an arrangement that must remain workable and welfare-centred.

Related Fastrack resources

See our Shared Parenting and Joint Child Custody guide, Visitation Rights guide, and Custody Judgments hub.

FAQs

Is there a compulsory parenting-plan format in Delhi?

No universal formula governs every custody case. Courts retain welfare-based discretion.

Can parents submit their own parenting plan?

Yes. A detailed proposed schedule can assist mediation and judicial determination.

Does shared parenting mean exactly 50:50 custody?

No. Shared parenting can take many forms and must reflect the child’s needs and practical circumstances.

Research note: This article explains the legal development and should be read with the complete order.

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