
Read Professor Upendra Baxi's Review here or observe:
The Practitioner’s Guide to International Family Law: An Indian Perspective by Anil Malhotra and Ankit Malhotra is a pivotal work addressing the complexities of Indian family law in a globalized context. This guide expertly navigates cross-border familial disputes, including child custody, inter-country adoption, surrogacy, and enforcement of foreign judgments, blending Indian personal laws with international legal standards. The authors thoughtfully reconcile India’s fragmented legal framework—shaped by diverse religious laws and statutes such as the Hindu Marriage Act and the Special Marriage Act—with international instruments like the Hague Conventions. Their analysis highlights the pressing need to harmonize domestic laws with evolving global norms while respecting socio-religious realities. Particularly significant is the discussion on enforcement of foreign judgments, where Indian courts balance international comity with constitutional safeguards. The treatment of surrogacy laws also provides a nuanced critique of ethical and legal challenges posed by cross-border arrangements. By addressing the constitutional aspiration for a uniform civil code alongside India’s pluralistic legal fabric, the book serves as both a practical resource for practitioners and a catalyst for policy reform. This landmark contribution offers a visionary framework to guide the evolution of family law that prioritizes individual welfare amid increasing transnational familial interactions.