The Hindu Adoptions And Maintenance Act, 1956 came into effect.

It deals with the legal procedure of adoption of children by Hindu including maintenance of children, wife, and in-laws.

as per the act Hindu person includes other sub-religions of Hinduism, such as- Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, Virashaiva, Lingayat, or members of Arya Samaj. Followers of Brahmo and Prarthana are also included in the definition of Hindu. The act is applicable on any other person domiciled in the territory where Hindu Maintenance and adoption act extends but not applicable on Muslim, Christan, Parsi and jew. Persons on whom Hindu law custom or usage are not applied they are not included under Hindu.