LAXMI KANT PANDEY vs UNION OF INDIA

The Supreme Court clarified the procedural safeguards for the adoption of Indian children by foreign parents, as established in Laxmi Kant Pandey v. Union of India, particularly regarding the payment to scrutinising agencies. The Court held that reasonable fees for these services could range from Rs.450 to Rs.500, with potential for higher amounts in certain cases. Additionally, the Court mandated that nursing homes and hospitals must report abandoned children to the Social Welfare Department, and that prospective Indian parents must be informed about available children for adoption, ensuring transparency and protection of biological parents' identities in adoption proceedings under Section 9(4) of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956.