The Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956

[As on the 1st June, 2026]

1. The Pondicherry (Extension of Laws) Act, 1968 (26 of 1968).

Cl., cls. . . . . . for Clause, clauses.

Ins. . . . . . ,, Inserted.

S., ss. . . . . . ,, Section, sections.

Subs. . . . . . ,, Substituted.

w.e.f. . . . . . ,, with effect from.

SECTIONS

1. Short title and extent.

2. Act to be supplemental to Act 8 of 1890.

3. Application of Act.

4. Definitions.

5. Over-riding effect of Act.

6. Natural guardians of a Hindu minor.

7. Natural guardianship of adopted son.

8. Powers of natural guardian.

9. Testamentary guardians and their powers.

10. Incapacity of minor to act as guardian of property.

11. De facto guardian not to deal with minor’s property.

12. Guardian not to be appointed for minor’s undivided interest in joint family property.

13. Welfare of minor to be paramount consideration.

[25th August, 1956.]

An Act to amend and codify certain parts of the law relating to minority and guardianship among

Hindus.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventh Year of the Republic of India as follows:—