Inheritance, Marriage, and Property: Examining the Efficacy of Hindu Law in Securing Women's Rights
Keywords:
Hindu Law, Women's Rights, Inheritance, Marriage, Property Rights, Gender Justice, Personal LawsAbstract
This paper critically examines the evolution and efficacy of Hindu personal laws in securing women's rights concerning inheritance, marriage, and property ownership in contemporary India. Through a comprehensive analysis of legislative reforms, judicial pronouncements, and socio-legal developments from pre-independence to the present era, this study evaluates the transformation of Hindu law from traditional patriarchal frameworks to more progressive gender-neutral provisions. The research employs doctrinal analysis of key statutes including the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, Hindu Succession Act, 1956 (as amended in 2005), and Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, alongside landmark judicial decisions that have shaped women's legal status. While acknowledging significant legislative progress, the paper identifies persistent gaps between legal provisions and practical implementation, highlighting the continued struggle for gender justice within the Hindu legal framework.
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