The Supreme Court ruled that an uncle-in-law cannot adopt his niece’s husband as a “ghardamad” for inheritance unless such a custom is legally proved. Setting aside three concurrent judgments, the Court held that the alleged Oraon tribal custom lacked sufficient evidence under customary law.
The Delhi High Court held that daughters cannot claim inheritance or partition rights in agricultural land where succession opened before the 2005 Hindu Succession Act amendment, ruling that such cases remain governed by the Delhi Land Reforms Act, under which male lineal descendants receive preference in succession.
The Kerala High Court ruled that a daughter born within four months of marriage is legally presumed to be legitimate and entitled to an equal share in her father’s property. The Court set aside a trial court decree, holding that conception before marriage does not defeat the presumption of legitimacy under law.
The High Court emphasized the need to address the societal implications of live-in relationships, stating, “It is high time we consider and establish a framework to uphold the moral values of society.” The court highlighted growing concerns over the impact of such relationships on traditional norms. It called for a collective effort to find solutions that balance individual freedoms with cultural ethics.
Today, On 29th August, The Assam government repealed the outdated Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, mandating the registration of all marriages with the government. The new law, introduced to eradicate the Qazi system and prevent child marriages, sets strict conditions for marriage registration. It aims to empower women, prevent non-consensual marriages, and curb polygamy, amid controversy and opposition.
The proposed “Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995” seeks to transfer decision-making authority over Waqf properties to district collectors, aiming to redefine governance and management across India. The bill faces opposition from various parties, but aims to prevent wrongful declarations of government land as Waqf property while promoting inclusive representation and improved administration.
