The Supreme Court has directed the Central government to file an affidavit within three weeks, mentioning the steps taken to simplify the process of adoption in the country.
A Bench comprising Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice A.S. Bopanna and Justice J.B. Pardiwala passed the order on Friday on a petition filed by NGO Temple of Healing, seeking formulation of an adoption scheme by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Stating that several couples and other people were waiting to adopt children for years, while lakhs of children were waiting to be adopted, the Apex Court observed that it was a serious and genuine matter, which needed urgent consideration of the Union government.
Justice Chandrachud even suggested that the Central government should appoint someone from the WCD Ministry to meet the petitioner and look into the matter, since the NGO had some concrete and valid points on the issue.
The Apex Court further told the Centre to apprise it within three weeks by way of an affidavit, the steps taken for the purpose.
Earlier in 2021, the Delhi High Court had directed the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, to set up a permanent mechanism for inter-country adoption under the Hindu Adoptions & Maintenance Act (HAMA), 1956.
Case title: Temple of Healing vs Union of India