Collector Moves HC Over Custody Of Adopted Boy
The collector has sought a stay on the interim orders and a direction to return the boy to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
Karimnagar:The custody case of a three-year-old boy handed over to his adoptive parents has taken a new turn, with Jagtial district collector B. Satya Prasad approaching the High Court against its interim orders.
The collector has sought a stay on the interim orders and a direction to return the boy to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
The couple, Kasarapu Srinivas and Kavitha of Jagtial, had adopted the boy three years ago under the Hindu adoption system. Srinivas’ relatives, who are involved in property disputes with him, lodged a complaint with the CWC alleging that the adoption had not been carried out legally.
Following the complaint, CWC officials shifted the child to a child care centre in Karimnagar on September 16. The couple approached the court, which on October 16 issued an interim order directing officials to hand over the boy to his adoptive parents.
As the process was delayed, the couple submitted a representation to the collector during the Prajavani programme on Monday. Meanwhile, a video showing the boy crying for his adoptive parents at the child care centre went viral on social media.
Following the incident, officials completed the process and handed over the boy to the couple that night.
In his petition, the collector contended that the court had issued interim orders without examining the CWC guidelines and evidence submitted by officials. He asked the court to examine whether the adoption under the Hindu system constituted a valid legal adoption.
The collector also sought a stay on the interim order and the boy’s return to the CWC until the orders were reviewed, arguing that his presence with the adoptive parents could affect the investigation.