The Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956

The Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 is an Indian law that governs the adoption and maintenance of children among Hindus. The Act aims to consolidate and amend the law relating to adoptions and maintenance among Hindus, and provides procedures for adopting a child and for the maintenance of family members. The Act also establishes rules for disowning and disinheriting a child. It applies to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs, and extends to the whole of India except the state of Jammu and Kashmir.