S.S. Sodhi, J. - (1.) The contest here is between the father and the mother for the custody of their daughter Bhupender Devi, who is about 15 years of age.
(2.) It is well settled that the dominant consideration in such matters is the welfare of the minor. From the facts and circumstances of this case, there can be no manner of doubt that the welfare of the child here lies in her continuing to be with her mother and, therefore, the order of the Guardian Judge declining the appellant's claim for custody of the ward, warrants no interference in appeal.
(3.) Before proceeding to her the counsel for the parties on merits of this appeal, the ward Bhupender Devi was questioned by me in Chambers with a view to ascertain her wishes regarding the claim to her custody. In very clear and categoric terms she stated that she wanted to continue living with her mother and did not want to live with her father Balraj. It was her statement that she was a student in the 10th Class at Government High School, Sansarpur. All her expenses including her schooling expenses were being borne by her mother. Her father Balraj had never come to see her and she had not met him for years.;