Nov 21, 2007 / 10:26 am
Indian law has now been changed to allow non-Hindus to adopt children, the Times of India reports.
Under the previous law, only Hindu couples who adopted children could claim to be parents. Non-Hindus were classified as guardians. Adopted children of non-Hindus lacked rights to inherit property, and administrative difficulties burdened their parents in areas like school admissions.
It is not clear whether the law applies to Muslims, who are governed by their own community's laws.
The new law also makes adoption by inter-faith couples easier, while cutting red tape in adoption procedures and recognizing more adoption agencies.