The Bombay High Court has initiated suo motu (on its own) public interest litigation concerning significant delays in the child adoption process across India. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice M.S. Karnik took cognizance of a media report highlighting that prospective adoptive parents are facing an average waiting period of approximately 3.5 years. The court issued notices to the Union Government, the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), and other relevant authorities. Additionally, it appointed Senior Advocate Dr. Milind Sathe and Advocate Gaurav Shrivastava as amici curiae to assist in the proceedings. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on June 23, 2025 .

According to CARA data, there are over 35,000 prospective adoptive parents registered, but only about 2,400 children available for adoption, with a significant number classified as “special needs” or older children. This disparity has raised concerns about the efficiency and accessibility of the adoption process in India .

The court’s intervention underscores the need for systemic reforms to address the challenges faced by prospective adoptive parents and to ensure that more children find permanent homes in a timely manner.

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