The Delhi High Court has sought responses from the Central Adoption Resource Authority and the Union government on a petition filed by a widowed mother seeking to surrender custody of her 14-year-old adopted son, citing severe behavioral challenges, intellectual disability, and threats to household safety.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued notices on September 17 to the Centre, CARA, the jurisdictional Child Welfare Committee, and the minor, setting the next hearing in the case for September 30.
Plea Outlines History of Domestic Distress and Violence
According to the petition, the boy was adopted through CARA in 2018 by the woman and her husband. Following the adoption, the child was diagnosed with an intellectual disability. The petitioner stated that managing the teenager became unfeasible following the death of her husband in 2021, after which she relocated to live with her aged mother and sister.
The plea submitted that the teenager exhibits escalating aggression and hypersexual behavior, leaving the all-female household in continuous fear of assault or misconduct. The petitioner detailed that the boy frequently resorts to physical violence when refused cash or when prevented from stealing money and valuables from the home.
Relief Sought for Transfer of Custody and Treatment
The woman further informed the court that the boy had been expelled from several educational institutions due to repeated behavioral infractions. The plea noted a prior incident in which the minor allegedly misbehaved with another woman; while a police complaint was initially lodged, the petitioner later requested authorities to close the inquiry.
Stating that she is no longer equipped to look after the adolescent, the petitioner has asked the High Court to order CARA or another competent welfare organization to assume custody of the child. Additionally, the plea seeks court directives compelling CARA and the Child Welfare Committee to arrange for the teenager’s medical care and specialized treatment.
