Yes, a child's preference can be considered while deciding child custody in India, although it is not the sole determining factor. The court takes into account various factors, including the child's age, gender, health, educational needs, and the ability of the parents or guardians to provide for the child's physical, emotional, and social needs. Section 17 of the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 provides that the court may consider the child's wishes if the child is old enough to form an intelligent preference. The court may also consider the child's wishes if it feels that it is necessary to do so for the child's welfare. However, it is important to note that the court will consider the child's preference along with other factors and will ultimately make a decision in the best interests of the child. The court will consider whether the child's preference is based on a mature and intelligent understanding of the situation, and whether it will be in the child's best interest to give weight to the child's preference. The child's preference is more likely to be given weight in cases where the child is older and mature enough to form an intelligent preference and where the child's preference is not influenced by any external factors.
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