How is property distributed among Class I heirs?

What the Law Says

The distribution of property among Class I heirs is governed by the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 — a central law applying to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists in India.

When a Hindu male dies intestate (without a will), his self-acquired and ancestral property devolves upon his Class I heirs as per Section 8 of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956.

Class I heirs include: son, daughter, widow, mother, son of a pre-deceased son, daughter of a pre-deceased son, son of a pre-deceased daughter, daughter of a pre-deceased daughter, widow of a pre-deceased son, son of a pre-deceased son of a pre-deceased son, daughter of a pre-deceased son of a pre-deceased son, and widow of a pre-deceased son of a pre-deceased son — total 12 categories.

All Class I heirs inherit simultaneously and equally. There is no priority or hierarchy — for example, a daughter receives the same share as a son, and the widow gets one full share regardless of how many other heirs exist.

Statutory Text

The property of a male Hindu dying intestate shall devolve according to the provisions of this Chapter— (a) firstly, upon the heirs specified in Class I of the Schedule;

— Hindu Succession Act, 1956, s. 8 — General rules of succession in the case of males

Statutory Text

The heirs specified in Class I of the Schedule shall take simultaneously and to the exclusion of all other heirs.

— Hindu Succession Act, 1956, s. 10 — Distribution of property among heirs in Class I of the Schedule

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