Hindu Women’s Right to Property Act 1937 – A Study

Abstract

In the ancient times, the woman could hold property but in practice, in comparison to men’s holding, her right to dispose of the property was qualified, the latter considered by the patriarchal set up as necessary. She became too-independent and neglect her marital duties and the management of household affairs. This was the situation prior to 1937 when there was no codified law. The Hindu Women’s Right to Property Act, 1937 was one of the most important enactments that brought about changes to give better rights to women.This was the earliest legislation giving rights of succession to widows of deceased persons on par with the sons of the deceased. These rights were confined to intestate succession (where there is no will) only.