The Natural Guardian of a Hindu minor, of the minor as well as minor’s property are:

1. In the case of a boy or an unmarried girl – the father, and after him the mother. The custody of a minor who has not attained the age of five years shall be with the mother.
2. In the case of an illegitimate boy or an illegitimate unmarried girl – the mother and after her the father.
3. In the case of a married girl – the husband.

No person shall be entitled to act as the natural guardian of a minor : If he has ceased to be a Hindu or If he has completely and finally renounced the world.