This act is to amend and codify the law relating to adoption and maintenance among Hindus. Here a minor is defined as one below 18 years of age. Any Hindu male or female who is major and single –single implying divorced or widowed can adopt Hindu children below the age of 15 years. If the adopted and adoptee are of different sexes, there should be an age difference of 21 years between the two.

Section 9 enjoins the Court to consider the wishes of the child to be adopted before granting permission to adopt. Section 17 prohibits any payment to prevent trafficking in children. Section 20 binds a Hindu parent, to maintain his/her legitimate / illegitimate children. As long as the child is a minor, he / she can claim maintenance from his / her father / mother.