The word "after" in Section 6(a) of the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956 implies:

In Githa Hariharan v. Reserve Bank of India (1999), the Supreme Court read "after" in s.6(a) of the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956 as "in the absence of" the father, which covers his absence from the minor's affairs, indifference or incapacity, not only his death. No court declaration or remarriage is required for the mother to act.