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Couple 'told they couldn't adopt a white child because of their Indian heritage' win £120,000 in landmark discrimination case

Reena and Sandeep Mander  - Andrew Crowley
Reena and Sandeep Mander - Andrew Crowley

A British couple have won nearly £120,000 in damages following a landmark discrimination case after they were told they could not adopt a “white child” because of their Indian heritage.

Sandeep and Reena Mander, from Maidenhead, Berkshire, saw an application to join a register of approved adopters turned down because of their Indian ancestry.

As a result, they were unable to register with the Adopt Berkshire agency in 2016 and claimed they were told “not to bother applying” and that their chances would be improved if they looked to adopt in India or Pakistan.

The Sikh couple, aged in their 30s, sued Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council for discrimination with backing from the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Judge Melissa Clarke ruled at Oxford County Court today that the couple were discriminated against and awarded them almost £120,000 in damages.

The judge made a declaration that the council "directly discriminated" against the couple in the provision of adoption services on the grounds of race.

Following the ruling Mr and Mrs Mander, who work as Vice President in charge of sales at an IT company and as a programme manager, respectively,  said: "This decision ensures that no matter what race, religion or colour you are, you should be treated equally and assessed for adoption in the same way as any other prospective adopter.

"We believe our experience with Adopt Berkshire was not just an isolated event.

"When we went through the Intercountry adoption process we came across many couples who had similar experiences.

"Let us be clear, a child's welfare is the most important thing when looking for any prospective adopter.

"However matching cultural values and beliefs is just one of many areas that should be assessed when looking at the suitability of adopters to ensure that child's welfare.

"It should never be the overriding factor to stop you even being considered, which is what happened to us.

"And certainly, cultural values and beliefs should never be assumed based on an ethnic tick-box, as was our experience.

"We felt there needed to be a change. This is what this case has all been about for us, to ensure discrimination like this doesn't happen to others wishing to do this wonderful thing called adoption.

"And today's landmark ruling will ensure this doesn't happen again."

The council had rejected claims its social workers were "racist" towards the couple.

A council spokesperson said: "We are very disappointed by the judgement in this case, which we will now take time to consider in full.

"We have reviewed our policies to ensure they are fit for purpose and are confident that we do not exclude prospective adopters on the grounds of ethnicity.

"Finally, we always put the best interests of the children at the heart of any adoption decisions and are committed to best practice in our provision of adoption services."