The Supreme Court of India permits unmarried and queer couples to jointly adopt children. Date: October 17, 2023.
The Constitution Bench, chaired by DY Chandrachud, challenges the misconception that only heterosexual married couples are fit parents.
The case, pending since May 11, saw a significant decision by Justice Chandrachud and a Constitution Bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, S. Ravindra Bhat, Hima Kohli, and PS Narasimha.
The court's ruling nullifies CARA rules that previously barred LGBT and unmarried couples from adopting children. CARA is a government division under the Ministry of Women & Child Development.
Chief Justice Chandrachud affirms the right of transgender individuals to marry, acknowledging transgender male-female marriages.
A parliamentary standing committee recommends harmonizing the juvenile justice act and the Hindu adoptions and maintenance act to establish a comprehensive and uniform adoption law.
The verdict ensures equal adoption rights for unmarried and queer couples, dismantling discriminatory barriers.