DC Dimapur orders strict compliance of Juvenile Justice Act in adoption cases

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Tinojongshi Chang, has directed strict compliance with Sections 80 and 81 of the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015 in all matters relating to adoption.
In an official order, DC stated that instances of non-compliance with statutory provisions governing adoption had been reported. It reiterated that no child shall be offered or given for adoption except in accordance with the Act and the Adoption Regulations framed thereunder.
Citing Section 80, DC informed that violation of prescribed adoption procedures is punishable with imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to Rs. 1 lakh. Section 81 prescribes punishment for the sale and procurement of children for any purpose, including illegal adoption, making such acts liable for prosecution.
All hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, maternity centres, Child Care Institutions (CCIs), NGOs and related establishments in the district have been directed to ensure that no child is handed over, offered, received or facilitated for adoption—whether on payment or otherwise—except in accordance with the Act and the Adoption Regulations issued by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA).
The order emphasised that no individual, medical practitioner, staff member or institution shall directly or indirectly arrange or facilitate adoption outside the legally prescribed procedure. It also directed that any case of a child in need of care and protection be immediately reported to the concerned Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and dealt with as per law.