Supreme Court Highlights Great Delay in Child Adoption Process

Supreme Court Highlights Great Delay in Child Adoption Process

VoM News Desk | October 13, 2023 | 10:52 PM IST | Courts & Law | Follow on Google News

Supreme Court Highlights Great Delay in Child Adoption Process

Supreme Court Highlights Great Delay in Child Adoption Process

Terming child adoption a “human thing,” the Supreme Court brought attention to the pressing issue of “great delay” in the child adoption process. The court’s bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, expressed concern about numerous children eagerly waiting for adoption, hoping for a better life. This issue arose during a hearing involving two petitions, one of which sought to streamline the legal procedures for child adoption in India

The bench emphasized that the delays in child adoption are of grave concern. They noted that couples in their twenties may have to endure a waiting period of three to four years before adopting a child. Such prolonged delays could potentially alter the circumstances and readiness of both the prospective parents and the children waiting for adoption.

Central Adoption Resource Authority’s Role Questioned

The bench questioned the role of the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) in these delays. They sought answers regarding why CARA appeared to be stalling adoptions when hundreds of children were yearning for a better life through adoption. This issue was raised by Chief Justice Chandrachud, who called for a resolution, and the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati confirmed that the Centre was prepared to file an affidavit in the Supreme Court.

Simplification of the Adoption Process Urgently Needed

Advocates and petitioners underscored the need to simplify the adoption process, particularly for children with special needs. They pointed out that CARA’s current procedures often prevent willing and capable individuals from adopting children. The bench agreed that adoption is a fundamental humanitarian endeavor and encouraged the ASG to engage with CARA to address the concerns raised.

The petitions also highlighted the alarming statistic that only 4,000 adoptions occur in the country annually, indicating a need for substantial reform. The Supreme Court scheduled the matter for further consideration on October 30, reiterating its commitment to addressing the challenges surrounding child adoption in India. Last year, the court had already agreed to examine the pleas seeking to streamline the adoption process, with one of the petitions filed by the NGO The Temple of Healing gaining the court’s attention.

VoM News Desk

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