Judgment

In Laxmikant Pandey V. Union of India (1984) 2 SCR 795 this Court laid down the procedure to be followed in adoption of children by foreigners. The Court observed the fact that children are a supremely important national asset and the future well being of the nation depends upon how the children grow and develop. It quoted with approval the report of the Study Team on Social Welfare where it was said:

"The physical and mental health of the nation is determined largely by the manner in which it is shaped in the early stages."

This Court also quoted with approval from the National Policy for the Welfare of Children where it was said:

"The nations children are a supremely important asset. Their nurture and solicitude are our responsibility. Childrens programme should find a prominent part in our national plans for the development of human resources, so that our children grow up to become robust citizens, physically fit, mentally alert and morally healthy, endowed with the skills and motivations needed by society. Equal opportunities for development to, all children during the period of growth should be our aim, for this would serve our larger purpose of reducing inequality and e