Under Indian law, adopted children have specific rights and obligations that are designed to ensure their welfare and integrate them into their new family. These provisions are governed by various laws, including the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956 (HAMA) for Hindus, and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (JJ Act) and Adoption Regulations for non-Hindus and other general adoption scenarios. Here’s an overview of the rights and obligations of adopted children under Indian law: Rights of Adopted Children Inheritance Rights: Under HAMA: Adopted children have the right to inherit property from their adoptive parents as if they were biological children. They are entitled to the same share of inheritance as biological children in the adoptive family. Under General Law: Adopted children are entitled to inherit property under the rules of intestate succession, similar to biological children. Maintenance Rights: Under HAMA: Adopted children are entitled to maintenance from their adoptive parents. The parents are obligated to provide for the child’s needs, including food, education, and healthcare. Under JJ Act: Children under the care of the state or those adopted under its provisions also have rights to maintenance and care. Equal Status: Adopted children have the same legal status as biological children in terms of family rights, including emotional and financial support, and participation in family matters. Right to Education: Adopted children have the right to education, similar to biological children, as guaranteed under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. Right to Legal Protection: Adopted children are entitled to the same legal protections as biological children, including protection from abuse and neglect, and access to legal recourse if their rights are violated. Obligations of Adopted Children Family Responsibilities: Adopted children are expected to fulfill familial responsibilities and obligations towards their adoptive parents and family members, similar to biological children. This includes respecting family norms and participating in family duties. Adherence to Family Norms: While adopted children have the same rights as biological children, they are also expected to adapt to and follow the family’s norms and traditions. Legal Obligations: Adopted children are subject to the same legal obligations and duties under the law as biological children, including compliance with laws related to education, behavior, and social conduct. Legal Provisions and Processes Legal Adoption: The adoption must be legally formalized through the appropriate legal processes, such as obtaining a valid adoption decree from a court under HAMA or through the guidelines provided by the Juvenile Justice Act and Adoption Regulations for other cases. Registration and Documentation: Proper documentation and registration of adoption are essential to ensure that the adopted child’s rights are protected and recognized legally. International Adoptions: For international adoptions, compliance with the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption and Indian laws related to international adoptions is required. Conclusion In India, adopted children are granted rights and responsibilities similar to those of biological children. They have rights to inheritance, maintenance, education, and legal protection, and are expected to fulfill family responsibilities and legal obligations. The legal framework ensures that adopted children are integrated into their new families with equal status and protection under the law.