Report No. 60

3.24. Section 3(16A)-Definition of "daughter" (new).-

A definition of the expression "daughter" is proposed to be added, as a useful provision, on the lines of the existing definition of 'son'. The adoption of daughters is permitted in certain cases.1 It is felt that section 13(1), under which words of the masculine gender are taken as including the feminine gender, may not necessarily have the effect of extending the definition of 'son' to the construction of the word 'daughter'. We, therefore, recommend insertion of the following new definition.

1. See sections 7 and 8, Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956, (76 of 1956).

Section 3(16A) (New)

(16A). "daughter", in the case of any one whose personal law permits adoption, shall include an adopted daughter:1

1. This amendment should not apply to existing Acts. See section 3A (proposed).