Sub-regulation (6) of Regulation 44 undoubtedly seeks
to achieve an important purpose of not parting with
confidential and sensitive information in relation to an
adopted child to third party. The purpose for framing said
sub-regulation, therefore, can easily be appreciated.
However, when the adopted person himself or herself
appoints an attorney to act for and on his / her behalf, such
power of attorney ceases to be a third party and would
therefore not be hit by the limitation contained in subregulation
(6) of Regulation 44. A person who is appointed
as attorney acts for and on behalf of the person so
appointing him and therefore, cannot be considered to be a
third party for the purpose of Regulation 44(6). Subject to
certain safeguards, therefore, we propose to direct the
concerned respondents and in particular SARA to provide
necessary documents and further information as may be
available with it to Ms. Anjali Pawar as a duly constituted
attorney of the petitioner for such purpose.
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION
WRIT PETITION NO. 13670 OF 2018
Beena (Leena) Makhijani Muller Vs The Commissioner,
Department of Women & Child
Development, Maharashtra
CORAM : AKIL KURESHI &
S.J. KATHAWALLA, JJ.
DATE : OCTOBER 9, 2019.
