The paramount consideration in all custody and guardianship decisions is the 'welfare of the child' — this principle overrides all other factors including parental rights, financial status, or gender preferences. The Supreme Court has consistently held that the child's physical, emotional, educational, and moral well-being is the decisive test. Wealth alone doesn't determine custody, nor does the child's gender automatically favor one parent.

1. 1 Pick up Guardians and Wards Act, 1890.
2. 2 Go to Section 17.
3. 3 Read: 'the court shall be guided by what appears to be for the welfare of the minor.'
4. 4 This directly points to option (C) — welfare and best interest.

The text reads: Section 17 GWA: In appointing or declaring the guardian of a minor, the court shall be guided by what, consistently with the law to which the minor is subject, appears in the circumstances to be for the welfare of the minor.