Utkarsh kumar, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University)
ABSTRACT
The term "illegitimate" refers to something that is against the law. Illegitimate children, in this context, are those born outside of a legal marriage. In many respects, not just society but also the law has discriminated against them. There has always been a social stigma attached to a child who was not born to legal parents.
“There are no illegitimate children – only illegitimate parents.” – Leon R. Yankwich
The validity of a child under Hindu law is governed by the legality of the marriage as defined by the Hindu Marriage Act. The Hindu Marriage Act1 covers anyone who is a Sikh, Jain, or Buddhist by faith. As a result, the illegitimacy criterion employed in the previous three religions will be identical to that utilised in Hindu law.
