Classification of Property Under Hindu Law
Classification of Property Under Hindu Law
1. Ancestral Property
Definition: Property inherited up to four generations of male lineage, which is jointly owned by coparceners.
Source: Acquired by father or his ancestors up to four generations.
Key Feature:
Right by birth for male coparceners (sons, grandsons).
Cannot be sold or gifted by one coparcener without consent of others.
Partition divides ancestral property among coparceners.
2. Self-Acquired Property
Definition: Property acquired by an individual through his own effort, skill, or money.
Source: Purchase, gift, inheritance (other than ancestral property), or earnings.
Key Feature:
Absolute ownership by the individual.
Can be sold, gifted, or bequeathed freely.
Not subject to coparcenary rights.
3. Joint Family Property
Definition: Property owned jointly by members of a Hindu Undivided Family (HUF).
Source: Ancestral property or property acquired with joint family funds.
Key Feature:
Managed by the Karta (head of family).
Owned collectively by coparceners.
Partition divides joint family property.
4. Separate Property
Definition: Property owned exclusively by one individual.
Includes:
Self-acquired property.
Property gifted or inherited individually.
Key Feature:
Individual control.
Not subject to joint family rights.
5. Stridhan (Woman’s Property)
Definition: Property owned by a Hindu woman.
Includes:
Gifts, inheritances, earnings, and property acquired before or during marriage.
Key Feature:
Woman has absolute control over Stridhan.
Not subject to husband’s control.
Can be disposed of by the woman independently.
6. Immoveable and Moveable Property
Immoveable: Land and things attached to the earth.
Moveable: Goods, money, shares, etc.
Summary Table
| Property Type | Definition | Ownership | Control and Transferability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancestral Property | Inherited up to 4 generations | Coparceners by birth | Limited; needs consent for alienation |
| Self-Acquired Property | Acquired by personal effort or purchase | Individual | Full control and transferable |
| Joint Family Property | Owned jointly by Hindu family | Family members jointly | Managed by Karta, transferable upon partition |
| Separate Property | Owned individually | Individual | Full control and transferable |
| Stridhan | Woman’s exclusive property | Woman | Full control by woman |
| Immovable Property | Land and attached things | Varies | Subject to property laws |
| Moveable Property | Goods, money, etc. | Varies | Freely transferable |
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