Inheritance Inequity in Indian Families: A Deep-Seated Issue


In Indian culture, the treatment of sons and daughters has historically been unequal, particularly concerning inheritance rights. Traditionally, sons were favored, receiving all privileges including the lion's share of inheritance, while daughters were often overlooked, denying them any share of their parental property. Even with legal reforms ensuring equal inheritance rights, many Indian families cling to outdated attitudes, reluctant to allot equitable shares to daughters. This resistance to change underscores a significant social issue that persists despite legal advancements.

A poignant example of this deep-seated inequality surfaced recently in New Delhi. It's a tale that mirrors countless similar stories unfolding across the country.

In this particular case, a widowed mother drafted a will that disproportionately favored her son over her two daughters. After her demise, the son resorted to deceit to deprive his sisters of their rightful inheritance. He first delayed the disclosure of the will, claiming it was locked away in a bank and inaccessible. Even when the will was finally retrieved, he withheld the keys and necessary property documents, under the guise of assisting his sisters to sell their share.

For two to three years, he stalled any progress under the pretense of helping, while secretly planning to siphon off a significant portion of the proceeds from his sisters’ property. Eventually, the sisters uncovered his scheme and managed to independently sell their property without his interference.

The fallout from this deception was severe. Enraged by his lost opportunity to profit from his sisters' inheritance, the brother cut all ties with them. He even rejected a rakhi - a sacred thread symbolizing the protective bond between brothers and sisters during the Raksha Bandhan festival - sent by one of his sisters, returning it and thereby insulting not just his sister but the very essence of the festival.

Such behavior highlights a troubling question: if brothers act with such greed and deceit, what sister would ever desire a brother like that?

This case not only reflects the ongoing struggles within many Indian families but also emphasizes the urgent need for societal change, moving beyond mere legal reforms to address the deep-rooted cultural biases that continue to plague familial relationships and women's rights in India.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
Tips for a Happy and Healthy Post-Retirement Life Retirement is often hailed as the golden chapter of life, a time to relax, explore new passions, and enjoy the fruits of years of hard work. But like any major life change, it comes with its own set of challenges. How do you ensure that you live a fulfilling, healthy, and stress-free post-retirement life? A circulation by the HR department of a reputed company has outlined 36 recommendations to guide retirees on how to maintain both physical and emotional well-being after stepping away from their careers. Here’s an exploration of these tips, which offer practical advice for anyone looking to make the most of their retirement years. 1. Avoid Travelling Alone Travelling alone can be daunting, especially as you age. Whether it's for safety or companionship, travelling with a partner, family member, or close friends can make the experience more enjoyable and secure. 2. Travel with Your Spouse Travelling with your spouse can reignite old...
Read more
Image
Navigating Property Disputes in Indian Families : A Call for Equal Treatment and Fairness In India, property disputes within families can often reveal deep-seated cultural biases, especially concerning the treatment of sons and daughters. Historically, Indian society favored sons in inheritance matters, bestowing upon them not only the bulk of the property but also the privilege of carrying forward the family legacy. Daughters, on the other hand, were frequently overlooked, rooted in traditions that viewed them as part of another family post-marriage. Despite progressive legal reforms ensuring equal inheritance rights for daughters, many Indian families cling to outdated views. The reluctance to adapt to new legal standards highlights a significant cultural lag that continues to affect countless women across the country. This resistance not only perpetuates gender inequality but also leads to complex legal and personal conflicts among family members. A general scenario that exemplifies...
Read more
Image
Advisory on Cybercrime: Stay Vigilant Against Scammers With the increasing reach of technology, the rate of cybercrime has grown alarmingly. Scammers are evolving, deploying various tactics to exploit people through calls, messages, and fake identities. This guide serves as an advisory on common scams and steps you can take to protect yourself. Remember, vigilance is the first step toward safety. Cyber fraudsters thrive on our unawareness and trust, so it’s crucial to stay informed. Recognize Common Scam Techniques Fraudsters often impersonate legitimate organizations or officials to gain your trust. Here are some common tactics they use: 1. TRAI Disconnection Calls : You may receive a call saying the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will disconnect your phone unless you respond. Ignore and hang up; this is a scam. 2. Fake FedEx Alerts : Some scammers impersonate courier services like FedEx, asking you to press a button for details about a package. Do not respond; this is a...
Read more