1. Who can adopt a child in India? Adoption according to Indian law is a personal act and hence is governed by the various personal laws of the different religions. Adoption is not permitted in according to the personal law of Muslims, Christians, Parsis and Jews in India. Hence they usually opt for guardianship of a child through the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890. Indian citizens can adopt in India under three major legislations: the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956, the Guardians and Wards Act of 1890 and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act of 2000, amended in 2006. The Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956 (HAMA) This Act covers Hindus, Buddhists, Jains or Sikhs. Some relevant parts of the Act are: · Married couples or single adults can adopt; · Legally the man adopts with the consent of his wife; · A single man or woman can adopt; · If a biological child alr