The correct answer is (d) Both (a) & (b).
Section 20 of the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956 states that an illegitimate minor child is entitled to claim maintenance during his minority from his father and mother. The Act does not make any distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children with respect to maintenance. Therefore, an illegitimate minor child is entitled to claim maintenance from his father and mother, just like a legitimate child.
The Act also does not specify the amount of maintenance that is payable to an illegitimate minor child. The amount of maintenance will be determined by the court, taking into account the needs of the child and the financial resources of the parents.
If the father or mother of an illegitimate minor child is unable to pay maintenance, the court may order the grandfather of the child to pay maintenance. The grandfather is liable to pay maintenance only if he is able to do so and if the father and mother of the child are unable to pay maintenance.
The court may also order the father and mother of an illegitimate minor child to pay maintenance to the child’s mother, if she is unable to maintain herself.