Madras High Court Rules: Non-Hindu Couples Must Follow Juvenile Justice Act for Legal Adoptions

Oct 21, 2025 05:34 pm CST

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ruled that Muslim and Christian couples must follow the Juvenile Justice Act for legal adoptions rather than direct deed registration. Justice GR Swaminathan clarified that the JJ Act provides a secular framework for adoption regardless of religion, ensuring adopted children receive equal legal status as biological children. The ruling establishes a structured adoption process requiring registration on the national portal and timely processing by authorities.