Form separate authority to deal with inter-country retention, removal of child: Govt panel

A government-appointed panel has recommended establishment of an authority to resolve issues arising out of inter-country removal and retention of children due to parental disputes, the government said in a statement today.

The committee headed by Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Justice Rajesh Bindal submitted its report to the Women and Child Development Ministry on legal issues related to inter-country removal and retention of children today.

"Stressing upon the need for mediation as the first step, the committee has recommended that the government may establish an Inter Country Parental Child Removal Disputes Resolution Authority. The authority has been envisaged to provide a one-window solution in cases of inter-country removal and retention of children," the statement adds.

The committee also recommended that the authority may be chaired by a retired high court judge, with members from legal and social sector background along with representatives from key ministries.

It also recommended that the authority may examine the inter-country cases of removal and retention of children vis-a-vis the cultural context, merit of the case, and the best interest of the child.

Along with its recommendation, the committee has also submitted a draft legislation to the government.

The committee was also requested to study the draft of the International Child Abduction Bill, prepared by the Law Commission.

The WCD Ministry will be sharing the report with the Ministry of External Affairs, Law Ministry and the Ministry of Home Affairs for their comments and inputs, the statement said.