Major Family Laws in India: A Quick Overview (2025 Updated)

Here is a compact list of the major Family Laws in India (applicable as of November 2025) with very short descriptions:

1. Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 – Governs marriage, divorce, restitution, judicial separation for Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists.
2. Hindu Succession Act, 1956 (amended 2005) – Rules for inheritance and equal property rights for daughters in Hindu families.
3. Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956 – Natural guardian rights (father/mother) and custody of minor children.
4. Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 – Legal adoption rules and maintenance obligations for Hindus.
5. Special Marriage Act, 1954 – Allows inter-religion/civil marriages and divorce for all Indian citizens.
6. Indian Divorce Act, 1869 (amended 2001) – Divorce and marriage dissolution rules for Christians.
7. Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936 (amended 2001) – Marriage, divorce, and succession laws for Parsis.
8. Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937 – Applies Islamic personal law for marriage, divorce, inheritance among Muslims.
9. Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939 – Grounds on which Muslim women can seek divorce.
10. Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986 – Maintenance rights of divorced Muslim women.
11. Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 – Declares instant triple talaq illegal and punishable.
12. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 – Protection orders, residence, monetary relief against domestic violence (religion-neutral).
13. Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 – Court-appointed guardians for minors (applies to all religions when needed).
14. Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 – Children/legal heirs must maintain elderly parents; tribunals can enforce.
15. Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 – Sets minimum marriage age (21 for boys, 18 for girls) and makes child marriage voidable/punishable.
16. Family Courts Act, 1984 – Establishes Family Courts for faster resolution of marriage and family disputes.
17. Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 – Regulates altruistic surrogacy, bans commercial surrogacy in India.
18. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 – Adoption rules under CARA for all religions (central law now supersedes personal laws for adoption).

These are the primary statutes governing family matters in India. Personal laws apply based on religion, while secular laws apply to all.

Government of India – Family Law Awareness Disclaimer

The content provided in this blog/list is for general informational and awareness purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal advice, opinion, or consultation.

Family laws in India (Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Parsi, Special Marriage Act, etc.) are complex, subject to personal religious laws, state amendments, and latest Supreme Court/High Court judgments. The information given here is simplified and may not apply to your specific case. Laws can change through new legislation or court rulings.