Supreme Court’s Stern Edict on Adoption Agency Inertia
In a move that underscores its commitment to child welfare, the Supreme Court of India has initiated “coercive proceedings” against 29 states and union territories for their failure to establish Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs) in every district. This decisive action follows a previous order in November 2023 mandating the establishment of these agencies by January 30, 2024, to streamline the adoption process for abandoned and surrendered children.
Stark Disparity in Adoption Infrastructure
The apex court’s ire was fueled by a glaring discrepancy between adoption registrations and the actual number of adoptions, attributed to the lack of requisite infrastructure. In the 2023-24 financial year, while a staggering 13,467 registrations were recorded, only a paltry 4,000 children were adopted, revealing a systemic failure in facilitating adoptions.
Judicial Ultimatum to Chief Secretaries
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, leading a three-judge bench, expressed profound concern over the non-compliance, citing an affidavit from the Ministry of Women and Child Development that revealed a lack of functional SAAs in 370 out of 760 districts. The court directed the Chief Secretaries of the delinquent states to expedite the establishment of SAAs and submit compliance affidavits by August 30, 2024.
Looming Threat of Contempt Proceedings
The court’s stance was unequivocal, warning that failure to adhere to the August 30 deadline would necessitate the personal appearance of the Chief Secretaries to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them. This serves as a potent reminder of the judiciary’s resolve to enforce its directives and protect the rights of vulnerable children.
Additional Scrutiny on Adoption Timelines
In a further display of its commitment to ensuring the timely and efficient adoption process, the court directed states and union territories to provide affidavits detailing their adherence to the timelines stipulated in the 2022 adoption regulations. This comprehensive approach seeks to address bottlenecks in the adoption system and expedite the placement of children in loving homes.
Key Takeaways:
| Key Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Supreme Court Initiates Coercive Action | The court initiated “coercive proceedings” against 29 states/UTs for not establishing Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs). |
| Significant Gap in Adoption Infrastructure | A large disparity exists between adoption registrations and actual adoptions due to inadequate infrastructure. |
| Judicial Ultimatum to Chief Secretaries | Chief Secretaries of non-compliant states must establish SAAs by August 30, 2024, or face potential contempt proceedings. |
| Scrutiny of Adoption Timelines | States/UTs must submit affidavits detailing their adherence to the timelines specified in the 2022 adoption regulations. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
