SHIMLA: The traditional practice of adopting a child within the family or kinship through mutual consent will no longer be legally valid on its own. In Himachal Pradesh, cases of adoption among relatives and by step-parents must now undergo mandatory registration and legal procedures through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA).
The district administration has clarified that an adoption certificate will be issued by the District Magistrate only after the prescribed procedure is fully completed. The child will gain the legal status of being the adoptive parents’ offspring only after this certification. No fee will be charged for this entire process.
Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap on Thursday said that according to the new provisions of the state government, anyone wishing to adopt a child within their family or kinship, or step-parents looking to legally adopt a child, must first apply on the CARA website.
Following the application, verification of the necessary documents and all legal formalities will be completed. The District Magistrate will issue the adoption certificate once the entire process is concluded.
The Deputy Commissioner noted that until now, many families used to adopt children based on relationships without following legal procedures. This later led to difficulties regarding inheritance, guardianship, and other legal matters. The new system will grant legal rights to adoptive parents while ensuring the rights of the child remain fully protected.
