[573E. Consents to adoptions---(1) No order shall be made under
 section 573A of this Act without the consent of the parents or of the
 surviving parent (if any) of the child, whether that child is legitimate
 or illegitimate, save that no such consent shall be required from any
 parent if the Court is satisfied that the child has been deserted by
 that parent, or that that parent is for any reason unfit to have the
 care and custody of the child, or if the Court for any other reason
 whatsoever considers that the consent of that parent should be dispensed
 with.

   (2) Every consent given under subsection (1) hereof shall be given in
 writing and witnessed by one of the persons specified in subsection (1)
 of section 126 of this Act, and every such witness shall certify that
 the parent signing the consent fully understands the effect of an order
 made under section 573A of this Act.

   (3) Where the application for an order under section 573A of this Act
 is made by either a husband or a wife alone, no order shall be made
 without the consent of the spouse of the applicant, save that no such
 consent shall be required if the Court is satisfied that the spouses are
 living apart and that their separation is likely to be permanent.