Evolution and Progression of the Rights of Hindu Women in the Hindu Undivided Family (HUF)

The Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) is specifically characteristic to the Hindu community and is a part of Hindu law. As per the Hindu Succession act 1956, Sikhs Buddhists and Jains along with Hindus are considered to be “Hindus”. Before 1956, the two prevalent schools governing succession and inheritance for Hindus were Dayabhaga and Mitakshara. Mitakshara was a school prevalent throughout the nation, on the other hand, Dayabhaga school had its stronghold only in the states of Assam and Bengal. Historically, inheritance and succession for the girl child and women in India has been nothing short of an uphill battle, with numerous blips and glitches that have needed to be rectified. Since independence, a variety of acts and amendments to existing acts have been introduced to ensure that women are not deprived of their right to equal inheritance. This research paper aims to look at the evolution and progression of rights given to Hindu women with a specific focus to their equal position and status in the Hindu Undivided Family.