Changes from time to time made laws which relate to property rights of women in India. It is an equally important step towards empowering women towards financial security. Provisions and changes regarding the property rights concerning wives were made newly in the years 2025. Under these rights, women enjoy several rights and freedoms concerning marriage and family life. Let’s discuss these rights and what impacts they have in detail.
Wife’s Right Over Husband’s Property
According to the Indian law, their wife earns quite a few rights against the husband’s property. The wife has the right to reside in her husband’s house, whether the house is in his name or belongs to some other person, according to the Hindu Marriage Act. Apart from this, the wife acquires a share in the husband’s property in case of his death as per the Hindu Succession Act, 1956. Here, the husband’s both acquired and ancestral properties are though included within this right.
Property Rights During Divorce
Wife usually claims property of her husband during the period when divorce is under hearing. The courts decide cases based on the property acquired by the husband and the financial status of the wife post-divorce. Under the personal laws of Muslims, the wife also is entitled by that law to “Mehr”, which is given by the husband during marriage. Then, the wife gets the right to maintenance and lodging after divorce.
Court’s Decision In Property Disputes
In 2024, the Delhi High Court pronounced a landmark judgment, stating Very clearly that the wife is entitled to usage of the property of the husband, not to ownership thereof. The wife needs to be understood as having a vested interest in the income-net of the property, but does not have the right to sell or transfer it, especially where there are very specific provisions made in the will by the husband2.
Steps towards Women Empowerment
Such legal changes regarding wife property rights provide women with greater freedoms and security in marriage and family life. This empowers not only women but gives them a dignified place in society as well.
Future Prospects
Improving and updating south property rights for wives is certainly one of the most crucial steps in women’s empowerment. It gives them security, while it ensures a higher standard of living for them.
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