Family Courts Cannot Decide Validity of Adoption Deeds : Punjab and Haryana High Court

The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that family courts do not have the jurisdiction to decide the validity of an adoption deed.

In this case, the paternal uncle had filed a petition for his appointment as his nephew’s guardian in 2019. This was done after the minor’s father had passed away in 2016 and his mother had married another man.

The High Court clarified that while family courts can handle custody and guardianship matters under the Family Courts Act, Parliament has not empowered them to decide on adoption disputes. Based on this reasoning, the High Court rejected the appeal.