Actions To Be Taken Against NGOs And People Involved In Unlawful Adoption: SC

OVERVIEW

• According to data provided by state governments and union territories on the ‘Bal Swaraj' Portal, 30,071 children have become orphans or have lost a parent or a child who has been abandoned.
• NCPCR statistic show there are 3,621 orphans, 26,176 children who have lost a parent, and 274 children who have been abandoned.
• The National Capital Territory of Delhi and the State of West Bengal have not uploaded the right data.
• As per the response on behalf of the District Child Protection Officers (DCPO) and other officials from the states of Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Jharkhand, practically all children who have become orphans or lost one parent require financial support.
• The Amicus Curiae had proposed that the DCPO meet with the child and the guardian as soon as possible after receiving the information and determine the guardian's willingness to care for the child, in addition to assessing the child's immediate requirements and the guardian's financial situation.
• The NCPCR had raised concerns about a rash of complaints about private individuals and organizations illegally adopting children orphaned by COVID-19.
• They were also concerned that the afflicted children do not face a situation where their education is interrupted.

GUIDELINES

• The State Governments/Union Territories are directed to identify the children through Childline (1098), health officials, Panchayati Raj Institutions, police authorities, NGOs etc.
• On receiving information regarding the death of the parent or parents, the DCPU is directed to contact the affected child and his guardian as soon as possible.
• The State Government and Union Territories has been mandated to ensure that children who have become orphans or have lost a parent as a result of the Pandemic continue their education.
• State Governments and Union Territories shall provide schemes that would benefit the affected children.
• State governments and union territories have been instructed to take action against NGOs and people involved in unlawful adoption.

Courts Order

• The next hearing would be held on 27th July 2021
• In the meantime, Amicus Curiae shall contact the nodal officers to be appointed by the States of AP, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, HP, and the UT of J&K to obtain information relating to the welfare of the children.

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