PROPERTY RIGHTS OF HINDU WOMEN IN INDIA
AUTHOR – IRA PAL, STUDENT AT AMITY LAW SCHOOL, AMITY UNIVERSITY, LUCKNOW, UTTAR PRADESH
UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF: MS. MALOBIKA BOSE, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, AMITY LAW SCHOOL, AMITY UNIVERSITY, LUCKNOW, UTTAR PRADESH
BEST CITATION – IRA PAL, PROPERTY RIGHTS OF HINDU WOMEN IN INDIA, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (4) OF 2025, PG. 352-384, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
Property rights are fundamental to ensuring financial independence and gender equality. In India, Hindu women’s property rights have undergone significant changes, shaped by ancient religious laws, colonial influences, and modern legal reforms. Historically, Hindu women had limited inheritance rights due to patriarchal traditions and religious interpretations. However, legislative changes, particularly the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, and its 2005 amendment, have expanded their rights significantly.
This paper examines the evolution of Hindu women’s property rights, focusing on historical contexts, legislative developments, judicial interpretations, and contemporary challenges. It also compares Hindu women’s property rights with those of other religious communities and international legal frameworks. The research highlights both progress and persistent challenges in achieving true gender equality in property inheritance.
Finally, the paper provides recommendations for policy reforms to strengthen women’s property rights in India.
Keywords: property rights, Hindu society, daughters and women, coparcenery