(1) No person shall receive or agree to receive any payment or other reward in consideration of the adoption of any person, and no person shall make or give or agree to make or give to any other person any payment or other reward the receipt of which is prohibited by this section.
(2) If any person contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1), he shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both.
(3) No prosecution under this section shall be instituted without the previous sanction of the State Government or an officer authorised by the State Government in this behalf.
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 17
Section 17 imposes a strict criminal prohibition against giving or receiving any payment, reward, or consideration in connection with an adoption, penalizing baby-selling and child trafficking.
When drafting adoption deeds, include an express covenant affirming that no money, consideration, or reward has been paid or received by either party, thereby establishing compliance with Section 17 and protecting the transaction from criminal challenge.