India, June 12 -- Courts should not order psychological examination of child victims as a matter of routine in custody battles and sexual abuse cases, as such orders can re-traumatise a disturbed child, the Supreme Court has said, and issued directions to be followed in such matters.

A bench of justices Sanjay Karol and N Kotiswar Singh on Thursday asked courts to adopt a cautious and child-centric approach that prioritises a child's dignity, emotional security, and psychological well-being over the interests of litigating parents. "Since the psychological growth and welfare of the child is closely intertwined with the psychological condition of the parents, it would be desirable for the courts to call for psychological assessment report...