Supreme Court asks Centre, states to frame rules for adoption of children

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre and the states to frame rules and regulations under the new legislation meant to regulate inter-country and intra-country adoptions of children.

The apex court refused to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation in all adoptions matter and has asked the agency to consider investigation only if petitioner comes up with specific allegation in specific case.

The Juvenile Justice Act, 2002 defines adoption in Section 2(aa). It confers upon the adoptive parents and the child all rights, privileges and responsibilities that are attached to a normal parent child relationship.

With this declaration, prospective parents, irrespective of their religious background would be free to access the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act ? a secular act, for adoption of children after following the procedure prescribed.