The Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956 — MCQs

All questions with answers and explanations

Read the full set here, or use the practice card above to test yourself one question at a time.

1. Under section 1(2), the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 extends to:

   • Only the northern States
   • Only the States named in a Schedule
   • The whole of India (correct answer)
   • Only Hindu-majority areas

   Explanation. Section 1(2) says the Act extends to the whole of India.

2. Which section of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 applies the Act to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs?

   • Section 2 (correct answer)
   • Section 4
   • Section 30
   • Section 17

   Explanation. Section 2 applies the Act to Hindus in every form, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs and the residuary group.

3. Which section of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 gives it overriding effect over prior Hindu law and custom?

   • Section 2
   • Section 3
   • Section 4 (correct answer)
   • Section 5

   Explanation. Section 4 overrides any prior Hindu text, rule, custom, or inconsistent earlier law on matters this Act covers.

4. The application test in Section 2 of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 mirrors the application section of which other Act?

   • Hindu Succession Act, 1956
   • Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (correct answer)
   • Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956
   • Indian Contract Act, 1872

   Explanation. Section 2 uses the same Hindu-definition test as Section 2 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

5. Chapter II of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 deals with:

   • Maintenance
   • Adoption (correct answer)
   • Guardianship
   • Succession

   Explanation. Chapter II (Sections 5-17) deals with adoption; Chapter III (Sections 18-28) deals with maintenance.

6. Chapter III of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 deals with:

   • Adoption
   • Maintenance (correct answer)
   • Guardianship
   • Marriage

   Explanation. Chapter III (Sections 18-28) governs maintenance of wife, children, and aged parents.

7. Section 30 of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 provides that:

   • It repeals the Hindu Marriage Act
   • It does not affect any adoption made before the Act commenced (correct answer)
   • It bars remarriage
   • It defines 'minor'

   Explanation. Section 30 is a savings clause protecting adoptions made before the Act began.

8. The four Hindu Acts include all of the following EXCEPT:

   • Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
   • Hindu Succession Act, 1956
   • Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956
   • Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 (correct answer)

   Explanation. The Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 is an earlier general law and is not one of the four Hindu Acts.