'Explanation.- For the purposes of this section "restoration orand prot~tion of a child" means restoration t(}-
(0) parents;
(b) adopted parents;
(d foster parents;
~U~Frc=.=I}~===============THE~~G=AZE==I=I=E=O=F='=N=D=~~E=XT=RA~O=RD==m~AR~Y==================~' (eI) guardian;
(e) fit person;
(j) fit institution.'.
21. In section 41 of the principal Act,-
(l) for sub-sections (2), (3) and (4), the following su~sections shall be substituted, namely:- "(2) Adoption shall be resorted to for the rehabilitation of the children who are orphan, abandoned or surrendered through such mechanism as may be prescribed.
(3) In keeping with the provisions of the various guidelines for adoption issued from time to time, by the State Government, or the Central Adoption Resource Agency and notified by the Central Government, children may be given in adoption by a court after satisfying itself regarding the in',estigations having been carried out, as are required for giving such children in adoption.
(4) The Stale Government shall recognise one or more of its institutions or voluntary organisations in each district as specialised adoption agencies in such manner as may be prescribed for the placement of orphan, abandoned OT surrendered children for adoption in accordance with the guidelines notified under sub-section (3):
Provided that the children's homes and the institutions run by th::: Stille Government or a voluntary organisation for children in need ofcare and protection, who are orphan, abandoned or surrendered, shall ensure that these children are declared free for adoption by the Committee and all such cases shall be referred to the adoption agency in that district for placement of such children in adoption in accordance with the guidelines notified under sub-section (3).";
(il) for sub-section (6), the following sub-section shall be slibstiruted, name[y: "(6) The court may allow a child to be given in ?.doption-
(a) to a person irrespective of marital status; or
(b) to parents to adopt a child of same sex irrespective of the number of living biological sons or daughters; or
(c) to childless couples.".