Telangana High Court Expresses Grave Concern Over Rescued Trafficked Infants

The Telangana High Court on Wednesday stated that the custody and care of children rescued from an illegal adoption and trafficking racket in Suryapet district is a matter of grave concern. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice GM Mohiuddin made the observations while reviewing the implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act in the state during the hearing of an appeal involving allegations of illegal infant adoption.

The bench observed that the court is more concerned than anyone else regarding the care and protection of the rescued children, which includes infants. The judges remarked that the situation could become an eye-opener for the state, emphasizing that it is unhealthy for infants not to be in the custody of their parents.

While examining the progress of the case, the high court noted that it was pleased with the report submitted by the women and child welfare department. The bench lauded the department for being quite proactive in dealing with the situation.

However, the bench pointed out that the home department had failed to submit its report on the matter. The court granted the home department an additional week to place its report on record.

During the proceedings, the bench refused to grant a visitation request filed by an adoptive couple seeking to see a three-year-old girl child who is currently housed at the Shishu Gruha in Nalgonda.

To ensure the proper care of the minors, the bench appointed senior counsel B Mayur Reddy to visit the children rescued from the illegal adoption and trafficking racket and submit a detailed report on their well-being. The high court then scheduled the matter for its next hearing on September 21.