Children are bundle of joy; the motive behind every parent’s hard work, sacrifice and innumerable smiles. They bring balance and serenity in a couple’s life. However, many couples have passed years with a vacant lap. In India every 1 out of 15 couples cannot have babies. Adopting a child is the best therapy for such emotional crisis. So, here’s a light on one part of the adoption process i.e. who can adopt a baby?
In India, the Hindu law have passed various acts relating to Adoption which includes Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act 1956, Juvenile Justice Act 2000 (Care and Protection) and Guardianship and Wards Act 1890.
- An Indian, non-Indian or a foreigner can adopt a child in the country. The person should be at least 21 years old and medically fit and financially capable.
- A single female or a couple can adopt a child. Usually, a single male is not permitted to adopt but it’s possible if he appeals through registered regency. However, he is eligible to adopt only male child.
- The minimum difference between parent and child should be 16 years and the age of the parent should not exceed 55 years and that of the adopted child’s should not exceed 12 years. The age factor totally depends upon the age of adopted child and that of the parent. For example, if a person is adopting a 1 year old baby, then he should not exceed 45years of age.
- Jains, Sikhs, Hindus and Buddhists can formally adopt a child as per to the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act 1956. But the other two acts (mentioned above) provide provision for adoption not only for Hindus but for Christians, Parsis, Jews and Muslims as well.
- According to the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act 1956 (only), a child can be adopted by parents who already have a child with the condition that the adopted child should be of the opposite sex. Additionally, if the original child is of a matured age, then he should write a letter of consent about his willingness for an adopted sibling.
