The Supreme Court on Friday (13.10.2023), raised serious concerns over the delays in the adoption process and the potential impact on both aspiring parents and children in need of loving homes. The remarks came from a bench comprising CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the simplification of adoption procedures in the country, filed by "The Temple of Healing," a charitable trust.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati requested additional time to file a response to the PIL, which prompted Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud to express his apprehension. He raised questions about the delays in the adoption process, highlighting that it has virtually come to a standstill, leaving couples waiting for years.
"They are saying that the process of adoption has virtually come to a standstill. No adoptions are being allowed. Couples are being made to wait three years, four years. What happens with the delay of the government, CARA (https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/supreme-courtallows-woman-who-sought-abortion-to-give-child-for-adoption-to-acouple-registered-with-cara-220572) particularly– suppose a couple decides to adopt at 26, by the time they get the adoption through, they are 30, 31. People's core position in life changes," the CJI stated.
The CJI further emphasized on the effects of bureaucratic delays on individuals and families. He asserted– "Suppose someone wants to adopt at 35, they get delayed and now they are 39, 40, they may feel that it is too late to adopt (https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/bombay-high-court-adoptionsingle-working-women-single-parent-adoptive-parent-juvenile-justice-act226213). Parental position changes. We understand that possibly there is an element of misuse that you are apprehending but why are you stalling adoptions? There are hundreds and thousands of children waiting for adoption."