“A female Hindu dies leaving behind her two sons, three daughters, father, and mother. Distribute the estate: a) if she received it from her father-in-law, b) if she received it from her father.”
Facts of the Case:
- The deceased female Hindu left behind two sons, three daughters, father, and mother.
Issues in the Case:
- How should the estate be distributed if the deceased received it from her father-in-law?
- How should the estate be distributed if the deceased received it from her father?
Principle:
- The distribution of the estate depends on whether the deceased received it from her father-in-law or her father.
- The Hindu Succession Act, 1956, governs the distribution of property among heirs in case of intestate succession.
Judgement: a) If the property is received from her father-in-law:
- The property shall devolve firstly upon the sons, daughters, and husband of the deceased.
- In the absence of sons, daughters, and husband, it is inherited by the heirs of the husband.
- In this case, since the deceased has left behind two sons and three daughters, the property is divided into 5 equal parts, and each child (2 sons and 3 daughters) receives a share.
- Each child receives a 1/5 share of the estate.
b) If the property is received from her father:
- The property shall devolve firstly upon the sons, daughters, and husband of the deceased.
- In the absence of sons, daughters, and husband, it shall devolve upon the heirs of the father.
- In this scenario, since the deceased Hindu female left behind 5 children (2 sons and 3 daughters), the entire estate shall be divided into 5 equal parts, and each child receives a share.
- Each child receives a 1/5 share of the estate.
Based on the principles outlined in the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, and the specific circumstances of the case, the distribution of the estate is determined accordingly.