Section 20 of HAM Act : Section 20: Maintenance Of Children And Aged Parents

Bare Act

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section a Hindu is bound, during his or her lifetime, to maintain his or her legitimate or illegitimate children and his or her aged or infirm parents.

(2) A legitimate or illegitimate child may claim maintenance from his or her father or mother so long as the child is a minor.

(3) The obligation of a person to maintain his or her aged or infirm parent or a daughter who is unmarried extends in so far as the parent or the unmarried daughter, as the case may be, is unable to maintain himself or herself out of his or her own earnings or other property.

Explanation - In this section "parent" includes a childless step-mother.

Simplified Act

(1) A Hindu must take care of their children, whether born within marriage or not, and their elderly or sick parents while they are alive.

(2) Children who are under 18 years old can ask for financial support from either their mother or father.

(3) An adult must support their elderly or sick parents ...

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where Raj, a Hindu adult, is employed and has a steady income. He has a 10-year-old son, Arjun, from his first marriage and an elderly father, Mr. Sharma, who is retired and has no pension. Raj's father is unable to support himself due to his old age and health issues.

Under Section 20 of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956, Raj has a legal obligation to provide maintenance for Arjun, as he is a minor child, and for his father,...