The correct answer is (d) Mother.
According to the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, the custody of a Hindu child up to the age of five years shall ordinarily be with the mother. This is because the mother is considered to be the natural guardian of the child. However, the court may award the custody of the child to the father or any other person if it is in the best interests of the child.
The father may be awarded the custody of the child if he can prove that the mother is unfit to take care of the child. For example, if the mother is mentally ill or addicted to drugs or alcohol, the court may award the custody of the child to the father.
Any other person, such as a grandparent or an uncle, may also be awarded the custody of the child if the court is satisfied that the person is capable of taking care of the child and that it is in the best interests of the child to be with that person.
The court will consider all the relevant factors, such as the age of the child, the wishes of the child, the financial situation of the parents, and the relationship between the child and the parents, before making a decision on the custody of the child.