CHANGES IN SOCIETY OFTEN precede those in law by a good few years, if not decades. Women, particularly, continue to feel the full weight of centuries-old cultural mores that inform these laws. This appears to be most true in laws governing inheritance.
Consider this landmark case. In 1955, Narayani Devi married Dindayal Sharma and lived in Sharma's house with his parents. Sharma passed away within three months of the marriage, and Devi was forced out of her matrimonial home immediately after.
She returned to her parents' home, got educated, and found a job. She started bank accounts and had a sizeable sum in her provident fund account. In 1996, she passed away intestate, i.e. without a will, leaving behind the assets she had acquired in her lifetime.
Ramkishori, Devi's mother, applied for a succession certificate. So, too, did Narayani's in-laws, seeking not just succession certificates but also ownership rights over her acquired properties. A dispute arose, stemming from the fact that Devi's in-laws never made any financial contribution during her lifetime, nor did she ever visit their house. After 13 years, in 2009, the Supreme Court transferred Devi's properties to her in-laws.
This is because the Hindu Succession Act (HSA), 1956, stipulates that if a woman's property is self-acquired, the husband is predeceased, and there are no children, the property will go to the husband's heirs and not to her parents, siblings, or other relatives.
This is just an example of the arcane laws that govern inheritance, which have been amended piecemeal over time but are still a minefield for women.
THE INHERITANCE CONUNDRUM
In India, when a woman dies intestate, the distribution of her property is handled per the personal laws applicable to her religious community.
Denne historien er fra December 24, 2023-utgaven av Business Today India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 24, 2023-utgaven av Business Today India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Pension Scheme - Safety Net
The move to introduce the UPS has evoked mixed reactions. Analysts believe its funding will have limited impact on the fiscal math
The Reit Choice?
Real Estate Investment Trusts (Reits) Are Gaining Traction As Interest Rates Stabilise. But Returns Could Be Affected By Adverse Economic Conditions And Market Volatility
CORPORATE - Calling to Account
The sudden exit of Byju's auditor BDO marks the latest in a long series of setbacks for the edtech firm
EMPLOYMENT: Skills Push
The skill development ministry plans to partner with the UGC to improve the employability of undergraduates
Building on a Vision
L&T'S CHAIRMAN EMERITUS A. M. NAIK HAS BUILT A MAMMOTH ENTERPRISE THAT IS BUILDING A NEW INDIA, FROM ITS METRO RAIL SYSTEMS TO THE RAM TEMPLE
"KYS more important than KYC"
Vijay Kedia is a renowned equity investor; the value of his listed portfolio stands at around ₹1,750 crore
ROXX STAR
THE THAR ROXX COMBINES LUXURY WITH PERFORMANCE TO MAKE A STRONG STATEMENT IN THE MID-SIZE SUV SEGMENT
HIT THE GROUND RUNNING
Smartwatches have become indispensable tools for runners, offering real-time insights into pace, distance, heart rate, and more. Here are a few you can consider
TURNING THE TABLES
INDIA'S FURNITURE MARKET IS POISED FOR A GLOBAL TAKE-OFF. ALREADY, A HOST OF GLOBAL BRANDS HAVE MADE THE COUNTRY THEIR HOME, BUT INDIAN COMPANIES ARE NOT TOO FAR BEHIND
THE EVOLUTION OF ATHERA
IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES IN ADVANCE HAS STOOD THIS BENGALURU-BASED VC FUND IN GOOD STEAD. NOW, WITH A HEIGHTENED FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY, IT WANTS TO SUSTAIN THE SUCCESS