Section 17 of HSA : Section 17: Special Provisions Respecting Persons Governed By Marumakkattayam And Aliyasantana Laws

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where a Hindu man, who would have been governed by the traditional marumakkattayam law, passes away without leaving a will. According to the Hindu Succession Act, his property will be inherited as follows:

The man's estate would first go to his Class I heirs, which include his widow, sons, and daughters. If he has no Class I heirs, it would then pass to his Class II heirs. However, if he has no Class II heirs either, Section 17 modifies the general rule of succession for those governed by marumakkattayam or aliyasantana law. Instead of following the complex hierarchy of agnates and cognates, the property would simply go to his relatives, whether they are agnates (related by blood through male lineage) or cognates (related by blood through either male or female lineage).

Therefore, in this case, the property would be distributed to any relative of the deceased man, providing a simpler and more inclusive succession process for those who would have been governed by the marumakkattayam or aliyasantana law.