Adoption
ADOPTION in the Hindus is covered by The Hindu Adoptions Act and after the coming of this Act all adoptions can be made in accordance with this Act. It came into effect from 21st December, 1956.
Prior to this Act only a male could be adopted, but the Act makes a provision that a female may also be adopted.This Act extends to the whole of India except the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
It applies to Hindus, Buddhists, Jainas and Sikhs and to any other person who is not a Muslim, Christian, Parsi or Jew by religion
Effect of valid adoption
- An adopted child shall be deemed to be the child of his or her adoptive father or mother for all purposes with effect from the date of adoption.
However any property which vested in the adopted child shall continue to vest in such person subject to the obligations if any attached to the ownership of such property including the obligation to maintain relatives in the family of his or her birth.
- Similarly the adopted child shall not divest a person of any estate which vested in him or her before adoption.
- Subject to any agreement to the contrary, an adoption does not deprive the adoptive father or mother of the power to dispose of his or her property by transfer inter vivos or will.
The personal laws of Muslims, Christian, Parsis and Jews in India do not contain any provision of adoption. However these persons can adopt the children from orphanage by obtaining permission from the court under the Guardians and Wards Act .
