Under the Juvenile Justice Act, a single male is not lawfully allowed to adopt a girl child in India.
This restriction is based on concerns about potential risks and exploitation of girl children. While single men can adopt boys, the adoption of girls by single males is not permitted under this act.
However, a single male can adopt a boy child under the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, provided he meets certain conditions such as being of sound mind, not being a minor, and being financially capable to raise a child. The age difference between the adoptive father and the adopted daughter should be at least 21 years.
Despite this legal restriction, there have been discussions and challenges regarding the adoption laws in India. Some argue that denying adoption to single males solely based on their marital status is unjust.
