In Brief
Four couples claimed to be adoptive parents of minor children adopted between 2021 and 2024 under the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956. Police authorities took custody of the children citing a First Information Report and handed them to the Child Welfare Committee. The Single Judge held the police action unlawful. The Division Bench of the High Court disagreed and refused to disturb the Committee's custody due to procedural non-compliance. The Supreme Court allowed the appeals, invoking Article 142 and the principles of best interest of the child, directing return of children to adoptive parents with quarterly welfare monitoring by Legal Services Authorities.
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