Family Law Important For Internals (New)
Family Law Important For Internals (New)
Family Law Important For Internals (New)
Ans.:- The main objective of this progressive legislation was to provide speedy trials and quick
settlements of family matters. Settlement can also be through mediation, negotiation,
conciliation.
Q.2. What do you mean by Westernisation?
Ans.:- Westernisation in the context of Hindu law refers to the changes that occur when a
non-Western country, such as India, undergoes prolonged contact with Western culture and
values. Let’s delve into this concept further:
1. Sanskritisation:
o Sanskritisation is a process where people from lower castes collectively adopt
practices and beliefs associated with higher castes. It serves as a preliminary
step for them to elevate their social status.
o This cultural mobility occurs within the traditional social system of India.
Lower castes imitate the lifestyles of upper castes, aiming to improve their
position.
o The term was introduced by sociologist Prof. M.N. Srinivas and reflects an
attempt by Indian masses to achieve mobility both within and outside the caste
system1.
2. Westernisation:
o Westernisation, as described by Srinivas, involves certain value preferences
resulting from prolonged interaction with Western countries.
o These values encompass aspects like humanitarianism and other Western
ideals.
o In the context of Hindu law, Westernisation signifies the impact of Western
legal, social, and cultural norms on Indian society.
3. Hindu Law:
o The term “Hindu law” emerged during colonial rule in South Asia. British
colonial officials, in consultation with Mughal rulers, decided that Hindus in
India would be governed by their own “Hindu law,” while Muslims would
follow sharia (Muslim law).
o Historically, Hindu law applied to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs in British
India. In modern scholarship, it also encompasses legal theory, jurisprudence,
and philosophical reflections found in ancient and medieval Indian texts.
In summary, Westernisation represents the influence of Western values and practices on Indian
society, including its legal framework. It’s essential to recognize these dynamics when studying
Hindu law and its evolution over time.
Q.3. Mention any two acts amounting to Glorification of Sati under The Commission of
Sati (Prevention) Act,1987?
Ans.:- Under the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956, a Hindu wife is entitled to
be maintained by her husband throughout her lifetime, regardless of whether the marriage was
formed before or after the enactment of this act. However, there are specific circumstances
under which a Hindu wife may be disqualified from claiming maintenance:
1. Unchastity or Adultery: If the wife is found to be unchaste or has committed adultery
or any other illicit sexual relationship with someone else, she may be disqualified from
seeking separate residence and maintenance from her husband1.
2. Conversion to Another Religion: If the wife has ceased to be a Hindu by converting
to another religion, she may also lose her entitlement to maintenance under the Act1.
It’s important to note that these disqualifications are exceptions, and in most cases, a Hindu
wife has a legitimate right to claim maintenance from her husband during and after the marital
relationship1. The law recognizes the husband’s obligation to support his wife financially,
irrespective of the marriage’s duration or circumstances.
Q.4. When does a person become disqualified to act as a Natural Guardian under
Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956?
Ans.:- Under the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956, a person becomes
disqualified to act as a Natural Guardian in the following circumstances:
1. Ceasing to be a Hindu: If the person no longer considers themselves a Hindu, they are
disqualified from acting as a natural guardian12.
2. Conversion to Ascetic Life: If the person has completely and finally abandoned the
world by converting to an ascetic (yati or sanyasi) or a hermit (vanaprastha), they
also lose their eligibility as a natural guardian12.
The court has the authority to terminate the guardianship of any person if it is not in the best
interest of the child, as specified in Section 13 of the Act. The welfare of the child is of
paramount consideration in such cases.
Q.5. When a Hindu wife is disqualified to claim maintenance from her husband under
Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956?
Ans.:- Under the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956, a Hindu wife may
be disqualified from claiming maintenance from her husband under certain circumstances:
1. Adultery:
o If the wife is living in adultery, she may be disqualified from receiving
maintenance.
o Adultery refers to engaging in a sexual relationship outside the marriage without
the spouse’s consent.
2. Conversion to Another Religion:
o A Hindu wife ceases to be entitled to maintenance if she converts to another
religion.
o In other words, if she renounces her Hindu faith and adopts a different religious
identity, her right to maintenance is affected.
It’s essential to note that these disqualifications are specific to the Hindu Adoption and
Maintenance Act and may impact the wife’s claim for maintenance
• In a patriarchal family, the father is the authority figure in the family, while in a
matriarchal family, the mother is the head of the family.
• In a patriarchal system, the father has more power and dominates the family, while
in a matriarchy society, the mother has more power and overlooks the family.
• In a patriarchal system, power is held by men and cultural norms, customs favor
men, while in a matriarchy, the descent and relationship are recognized through the
female line.
Q. 8. What is Escheat?
Ans.:- The term “escheat” is derived from the French word “eschoir” which signifies ‘to
happen’ because it falls to the lord from an event and an unforeseen circumstance.
Escheat is the right of the government to own unclaimed property and assets. The doctrine of
escheat is invoked when a person dies without any will or heirs. However, it also applies to
cases where property remains unclaimed for a long period.
The concept of escheat maintains that property always has a recognised owner, which would
be the state or government if no other claimants to ownership exists or are readily identified.
Escheat also refers to the ‘property’ the owner of which has died intestate and without leaving
a legal heir.
The doctrine of escheat is a remnant of the English feudal system of land tenure and a
companion of its common law counterpart bona vacantia. However, it is interesting to note
that the doctrine of escheat was not unknown to India. The Ancient lawgiver Manu has written
in Manusawhita(Chapter IX, Verse 189).
Q. 9. State any two disqualifications to Succession of Property, under the Hindu
Succession Act, '1956?
Ans.:- Under the Hindu Succession Act of 1956, there are specific disqualifications that affect
the inheritance of property. Let me outline two of them:
1. Murder Disqualification: If an heir is found guilty of murdering the deceased, they
are disqualified from inheriting the property. This disqualification is based on a breach
of fundamental principles of inheritance.
2. Disqualification of Converted Descendants: While a relative who converts from
Hinduism remains eligible for inheritance, their descendants are disqualified from
receiving an inheritance from their Hindu relatives unless they have converted to
Hinduism before the relative’s death.
These provisions aim to maintain fairness and uphold moral and legal standards in matters of
succession.
Q. 11. When two person are said to be related to each other by half blood?
Ans.:- Two individuals are considered to be related to each other by half blood when they
share a common ancestor but have different mothers. For instance, step-brothers born from
different wives of the same father are related to each other by half blood
Q. 12. State two grounds of void marriage under Hindu Marriage Act?
Ans.:- A marriage is considered void under the Hindu Marriage Act if it doesn’t fulfils the
following conditions of Section 5 of the Hindu Marriage Act:
1. Bigamy
If any of the parties have another spouse living at the time of marriage. It shall be
considered as null and void.
Illustration: there are three parties ‘A’,’B’ and ‘C’ where ‘A’ has a living spouse ‘B’, but
he again marries to ‘C’ then this will be called as bigamy and it will be void.
2. Prohibited Degree
If the parties are within a prohibited relationship unless the customs allows it.
Illustration: there are two parties ‘A’ and ‘B’ where, ‘A’ is the husband and ‘B’ is his wife.
They both went on a relationship which is prohibited by law. This marriage can also be
called void marriage.
3. Sapindas
A marriage between the parties who are sapindas or in other words a marriage between the
parties who are of his or her relations or of the same family.
Illustration: there are two parties ‘A’ and ‘B’ where ‘A’ is the husband and ‘B’ is the wife,
who has blood relation or close relation to A which can also be termed as Sapinda. So, this
process will be treated as void.
Q. 13. Who can give son or Daughter in Adoption under Hindu Adoption and
Maintenance Act?
Ans.:- Under the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, only specific individuals have the
authority to give a child up for adoption. Here are the key points:
1. Biological Father:
o Only the biological father of the child has the legal authority to give the child
up for adoption.
o His consent is necessary for the adoption process.
2. Biological Mother:
o The consent of the child’s biological mother is also required for adoption.
o Her agreement is essential for any adoption to proceed.
In summary, no one else apart from the biological parents or the child’s legal guardian can give
a child for adoption under the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act.
Q. 14. State two Bars to Matrimonial reliefs under Hindu Marriage Act?
Ans.:- Under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, there are specific bars or restrictions that affect
matrimonial reliefs. Here are two important ones:
1. Accessory Connivance:
o If either spouse has connived (secretly allowed or encouraged) the other’s
wrongful behavior (such as adultery), it can be a bar to seeking matrimonial
relief.
o The court may consider connivance as a factor when deciding on divorce,
judicial separation, or other reliefs.
2. Condonation:
o Condonation refers to the forgiveness of a matrimonial offense by one spouse
after becoming aware of it.
o If a spouse condones the wrongdoing (such as cruelty or desertion) and
continues to live with the other, it may act as a bar to seeking relief.
o However, condonation must be voluntary and genuine; mere cohabitation
without forgiveness may not suffice.
Remember that these bars play a crucial role in determining the availability of matrimonial
reliefs under the Hindu Marriage Act
In summary, reunion allows parties that were once separated to come together again as a joint
Hindu family, provided they meet the specified conditions
Section 3 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 provides the punishment for giving and taking
dowry. This punishment is a minimum of five years of imprisonment and a fine of either Rs
15,000 or the value of dowry (whichever is more).
Section 4 penalizes the act of demanding dowry from either party of marriage. It is punishable
with a term of a minimum of six months to a maximum of five years and a fine of up to
Rs15000.
Section 8 provides that the offences under Section 3 and Section 4 shall be non-bailable and
cognizable. Sub-section (a) strengthens it more by putting the burden of proof on the person
denying to have committed the said offense.
Q. 17. What is the punishment for attempt to commit sati?
Ans.:- Section 3 of the Act notwithstanding provisions of the Indian Penal Code, provides for
the punishment for attempt to commit sati. An attempt to commit sati is punishable with
imprisonment up to one year or with fine or both. Before convicting any person, the Special
Court must take into consideration, the circumstances leading to the commission of the offence,
the act which was actually committed, the state of mind of the person charged with the offence
and all other relevant factors.
Q. 18. What is matriarchal family?
Ans.:- A matriarchal family is a form of social organization in which the mother or oldest
female is the head of the family. She exercises authority and manages the property. The
descent and relationship are reckoned through the female line, and daughters inherit the
property of the mother. A matriarchal family is also called a maternal family
Q. 19. When two persons are said to be related to each other by full blood?
Ans.:- In the context of Hindu law, two individuals are considered related to each other by full
blood when they share a common ancestor through the same wife. For instance, this
relationship applies to full siblings (brothers and sisters) who have descended from the same
mother. Additionally, full paternal uncles (who share the same father) are also related by full
blood.
Q.20. Define “Guardian” under Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act
Ans.:- According to Section 4(b), it is also defined that a guardian means a person who has
completed the age of 18 and he is taking proper care of a minor and his property and as well as
his own.
Q. 21. What is the effect of Reunion?
Ans.:- Reunions are important because they:
• Give people the opportunity to reunite our humanity, renew our spirits, and give
comparative meaning to our life’s intended goals and objectives.
• Reinforce our common bonds, regenerate our friendships, and reinvigorate our
spirits in appreciation of life’s different but parallel journeys.
• Allow us to remember and reminisce.
• Offer a chance to learn and reflect on our own life choices.
• Encourage communication among extended family members and provide
educational opportunities for the various generations to learn about the members of
their clan and pass on historical information.
This presumption helps determine the order of succession when the exact sequence of deaths
cannot be established with certainty.
In summary, both polygamy and polyandry involve multiple spouses, but they differ in terms
of gender roles, legal recognition, and prevalence. Polygamy encompasses various forms of
nonmonogamous relationships, while polyandry specifically focuses on women having
multiple husbands.
Remember that partition plays a crucial role in defining individual rights and responsibilities
within an HUF under Hindu law
Remember that conversion does not automatically affect the marriage tie; it is the non-convert
spouse who can seek matrimonial relief based on this ground
In summary, the UCC aims to create a consistent legal framework for personal matters,
emphasizing equality and common principles across all citizens
Q. 33. State the difference between agnate and cognate?
Ans.:- Certainly! In the context of Hindu law, let’s explore the difference
between agnate and cognate:
1. Agnate:
o An agnate is a person related wholly through males, either by blood or by
adoption.
o Agnatic relations can be either male or female.
o Examples of agnates include one’s father’s brother, father’s brother’s son,
or father’s son’s son.
o Agnates share a direct male lineage.
2. Cognate:
o A cognate is a person related not wholly through males.
o Cognates are connected by blood or adoption but not exclusively through male
ancestors.
o Examples of cognates include son’s daughter’s son, daughter’s son,
or mother’s brother’s son.
o Cognates can be in either the ascending or descending line.
In summary, agnates have a direct male lineage, while cognates are related through various
family connections beyond the male line.
In summary, these degrees of prohibited relationship determine who cannot marry due to close
family ties under the Hindu Marriage Act
Q. 3. Enumerate any two conditions of a Valid Marriage?
Ans.:- Under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, here are two conditions for a valid Hindu
marriage:
1. Monogamy:
o Monogamy means that neither the husband nor the wife should have a living
spouse at the time of marriage.
o A valid Hindu marriage cannot occur if either party is already married.
2. Mental Capacity and Consent:
o Both parties involved in the marriage must be of sound mind and capable of
providing valid consent.
o Consent is a fundamental requirement for a legally recognized marriage.
Remember that adhering to these conditions ensures the validity of a Hindu marriage.
Q. 4. What is Apratibandha Daya?
Ans.:- Apratibandha Daya refers to unobstructed heritage in Hindu law. Let’s explore its
meaning and implications:
1. Definition:
o Apratibandha Daya pertains to property inherited from a direct male
ancestor (such as the father, grandfather, or great-grandfather) but not
exceeding three degrees higher than the inheritor.
o The concept of unobstructed heritage emphasizes that this property is
acquired by birth and not obstructed by the existence of the owner.
2. Essential Features:
o Sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons acquire an interest in the property by
their birth.
o Their rights attach to the property immediately upon birth.
o The property is considered ancestral or unobstructed heritage in their hands.
3. Mitakshara Law Perspective:
o According to Mitakshara Law, unobstructed heritage ensures that male
descendants inherit property without any hindrance.
o The existence of the owner does not obstruct their right to the property.
4. Example:
o If A inherits property from his father, grandfather, or great-grandfather, it is
considered unobstructed heritage.
o As regards male issue (sons, grandsons), the property is ancestral.
o However, as regards other relations, A holds it as his absolute property.
In summary, Apratibandha Daya represents the unimpeded inheritance of property from direct
male ancestors within a specified degree
In summary, Hindu law draws from ancient scriptures, customs, and modern legal
developments to shape its principles and practices
Remember that these disqualifications aim to maintain fairness and prevent undue advantage
in matters of inheritance