HEM SINGH AND ANOTHER vs HARNAM SINGH AND ANOTHER.

The Supreme Court ruled that under the Customary Law of Gurdaspur District, Punjab, the adoption of a collateral of the 8th degree is valid, rejecting the argument that only near collaterals should be recognized. The Court clarified that the customary rules regarding adoption are directory rather than mandatory, emphasizing that the primary objective of adoption is to appoint an heir. The judgment upheld the validity of the adoption deed executed by Harnam Singh, confirming the lower courts' findings on the matter.