Public Interest Litigation

(PIL- 1003 of 2021)

Public Interest Litigation (PIL- 1003 of 2021) in the Supreme Court of India
In April 2021, Dr. Piyush Saxena, representing the NGO Temple of Healing, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL- 1003 of 2021) in the Supreme Court of India, seeking to simplify the country’s adoption procedures. The PIL highlighted the protracted and complex nature of the existing adoption process, which often resulted in waiting periods of three to four years for prospective adoptive parents, thereby leaving numerous orphaned, abandoned, or surrendered (OAS) children without timely placement in nurturing homes.

The Supreme Court acknowledged these systemic delays, noting a significant mismatch between the number of children available for adoption and the prospective adoptive parents registered on the Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System (CARINGS) portal. In response, the Court issued directives aimed at expediting the adoption process, including:
Establishing Specialized Adoption Agencies (SAAs): The Court mandated that all states and union territories ensure the establishment and functionality of SAAs in every district to facilitate smoother adoption procedures.
Conducting Identification Drives: States were instructed to carry out regular drives to identify OAS children, ensuring their timely registration and availability for adoption.

Enhancing Coordination: The Court emphasized the need for better coordination between adoption agencies, state governments, and the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) to reduce procedural bottlenecks.
These judicial interventions have led to a more streamlined adoption framework in India, reducing waiting times and facilitating quicker placements of children into families. The Supreme Court’s proactive stance underscores the importance of a child-centric approach in adoption proceedings, ensuring that legal complexities do not hinder the fundamental right of a child to a loving and supportive family environment.