But on an appeal from Chethana, the Karnataka High Court reversed the family court's ruling and gave the daughter's custody to her mother, saying that in her early years, the child's upkeep and welfare would be taken care of better by a female family member.

It said as Jahgirdar was living all alone, the child's interest would be better served in the custody of her mother.

The apex court too subsequently in 2004, on an appeal by Jahgirdar, endorsed the high court's ruling, affirming the child's custody to the mother.

After Jahgirdar married for the second time 2006, he again moved the family court, seeking the child's custody on the grounds of changed circumstances.

He contended that he now had his wife to look after his daughter from his first wife, adding that Kumbles, meanwhile, had got two of their own children, while he had none.

Chethana first moved the high court challenging the family court's decision to entertain Jahgirdar's plea, but her plea was dismissed. She then moved the apex court, which told her Monday to try sorting out the issue through talks.