DC Dimapur issues directive to hospitals, CCIs on adoption rules

DIMAPUR — Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, has issued an order directing strict compliance with Sections 80 and 81 of the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015, in matters relating to adoption.

The order stated that instances of non-compliance with the statutory provisions governing adoption under the Act have been reported in certain quarters, a DIPR report stated.

It reiterated that no child shall be offered or given for adoption except in accordance with the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015 and the Adoption Regulations framed there under.

As per Section 80 of the Act, violation of adoption procedures is punishable with imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to INR 1,00,000.

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Further, Section 81 prescribes punishment for the sale and procurement of children for any purpose, including illegal adoption, and makes such acts punishable under the law.

In this regard, all hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, maternity centres, Child Care Institutions (CCIs), NGOs and other related establishments have been directed to ensure that no child is handed over, offered, received or facilitated for adoption - whether on payment or otherwise - except strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Adoption Regulations issued by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA).

The order further emphasised that no individual, medical practitioner, staff member or institution shall directly or indirectly arranges, negotiate or facilitate adoption outside the legally prescribed procedure.