In what could be a landmark decision for women’s rights, the Uttar Pradesh government is moving towards giving married daughters the same inheritance rights as sons. The proposal, if approved, will amend the UP Revenue Code, 2006, bringing married daughters at par with their brothers when it comes to claiming a share in ancestral property.
What the Amendment Proposes
At present, the state law treats married and unmarried daughters differently. In most cases, only unmarried daughters are recognized as equal heirs along with sons. Married daughters are considered only in exceptional situations, such as when no sons or other legal heirs exist.
The new amendment aims to remove this distinction by striking out the words “married” or “unmarried” before “daughter” in Section 108(2) of the Revenue Code. This means that all daughters, regardless of their marital status, will have equal rights in ancestral land and property.
Why the Change is Important
For decades, activists have argued that property rights form the foundation of real gender equality. By denying married daughters their rightful share, women often find themselves economically dependent even after marriage. This move by the UP government is expected to provide women with greater security, recognition, and empowerment.
Legal experts also point out that states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have already introduced similar reforms, and Uttar Pradesh following suit, it could influence other states to bring in comparable changes.
What’s Next
The draft has been prepared by the UP Revenue Council and is awaiting cabinet approval. Once cleared by the state cabinet, it will be tabled in the Legislative Assembly for final passage. If enacted, the new law would apply to property disputes and succession cases across Uttar Pradesh, ensuring a uniform inheritance framework for both sons and daughters.
Larger Social Impact
Equal inheritance rights are more than just a legal adjustment; they reflect changing social attitudes. For a state like Uttar Pradesh, where traditions often dominate family matters , this step could gradually reshape how families view daughters. It sends a strong message that daughters, married or not, remain integral to the family’s legacy.
