In Brief
This case concerns the validity of adoption under Hindu law. The appellant claimed to be the adopted daughter of Sadhu Ram and sought a share in his property. The trial court accepted her claim based on evidence including her own testimony, school records showing her father as Sadhu Ram, and her marriage being settled by him. The High Court reversed this, holding that the formal ceremony of giving and taking was mandatory and not proved. The Supreme Court allowed the appeal, holding that while the formal ceremony is essential, long recognition and treatment as an adopted child for an extended period can itself presume validity of adoption, especially when corroborated by documentary evidence and community acceptance.
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