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Hindu adoption law in India is primarily governed by the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956, which provides for adoption of children by Hindu parents. The law applies to persons of all genders and recognizes both formal and informal adoption.

A child can be adopted by a Hindu male or female who is of sound mind, is not a minor, and is not suffering from any disability that would prevent them from caring for the child. The law also lays down the procedures for adoption, including the requirement of consent from the child’s biological parents or legal guardians, and the need for approval from the court.

In Hindu law, adoption is considered a sacramental act that creates a permanent relationship between the child and the adoptive parents. The adopted child is granted all the rights and privileges of a biological child, and the adoptive parents are legally responsible for the child’s care and upbringing.

There is a lack of awareness about the legal procedures and rights of adoptive parents and children. Moreover, there have been instances of illegal adoption, trafficking of children, and exploitation of vulnerable parents and children.

The government has taken several steps to reform the adoption system in India. In 2015, the government passed the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, which provides for a centralized adoption process and increased transparency and accountability in adoption practices.

The government has also set up adoption agencies and introduced online portals to streamline the adoption process and facilitate access to information and resources for prospective adoptive parents.

The Hindu adoption law in India provides a framework for the adoption of children, there is a need for greater awareness and implementation of the law, as well as reforms to ensure that the adoption system is fair, transparent, and accountable, and that the rights and interests of adoptive parents and children are protected. However, the practice of adoption in India is often subject to societal and cultural norms, and many adoptive parents prefer to adopt informally, though informal adoptions are not legally recognized and can lead to a lack of protection for the adoptive parents and the child.

The law outlines specific requirements for adoption, including the need for adoptive parents to be of sound mind, not a minor, and capable of caring for the child. Additionally, consent from the child’s biological parents or legal guardians is required, and court approval is necessary.

To adopt a child under Hindu adoption law, the adoptive parent must file a petition in court and provide relevant documents, including a declaration of the adoptive parent’s intention to adopt the child, the child’s birth certificate or identity proof, biological parents’ consent, and a report from an adoption agency or government official regarding the suitability of the adoptive parent and the welfare of the child. The court will then consider the petition and relevant documents and may conduct an investigation or hold hearings to determine the best interests of the child before issuing an adoption order.