The objects of adoption are two-fold. The first object is religious, namely, to secure spiritual benefit to the adopter and his ancestors, by having a son to offer funeral cakes and libations of water. […]
Section 19 provide that after the death of her husband, a Hindu wife is entitled to be maintained by her father-in-law. It is immaterial whether such a woman had married before or after the commencement of this Act. Further, she can exercise this right only if she is unable to maintain herself out of her own earnings or other property, [...]
Section 20 of Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act casts a duty on a Hindu, during his (or her) life-time, to maintain his (or her) legitimate as well as illegitimate children and his (or her) aged or infirm parents. Further, a legitimate child can claim maintenance from his or her father or mother, so long as the child is a minor. [...]