Same sex foreign couples can't adopt child: Draft guidelines

Draft guidelines prepared by the committee appointed by Bombay High Court to regulate adoption of Indian children by foreign nationals say that a single parent would be able to adopt, but not a same-sex couple.

Draft guidelines prepared by the committee appointed by Bombay High Court to regulate adoption of Indian children by foreign nationals say that a single parent would be able to adopt, but not a same-sex couple.

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Also, committee has contemplated that the child will be examined by a psychologist before the adoption.

The guidelines -- yet to be finalised -- also contemplate a role for Indian embassies, in the cases where the adoption runs into a trouble.

The prospective foreign parent would be between 30 and 55 years of age. "Same sex couples are not eligible to adopt" but "single parents (never married, widowed, divorced) upto 45 years can adopt", the draft says.

Before a child is given in adoption, a Recognised Indian Placement Agency (RIPA) -- through which children would be placed for adoption -- will have the child examined by a psychologist, who will certify that child is mentally fit, and "is capable of assimilating in a foreign country".

The prospective parent will have to deposit Rs 2.5 lakh with "inter country adoption child welfare fund".

RIPAs can charge the foreign parents a fee of not more than USD 3,500. Beyond this, they will not accept any money.

Court today sought statistic of children adopted by foreigners in last 3 years, specially the children with special needs, and adjourned hearing for 3 weeks.