Bridging the Gender Gap in Property Ownership: A Critical Analysis of Women’s Inheritance Rights Under Indian Law

Despite progressive laws, Indian women face significant barriers in inheriting and owning property. This paper examines the legal framework governing women's inheritance rights under the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 (amended in 2005) and Muslim Personal Law. It highlights gaps in legislation, patriarchal norms, and poor implementation that perpetuate gender disparities. Analyzing landmark cases and data, the study argues for reforms to ensure substantive equality, including addressing coparcenary rights and awareness campaigns. Bridging this gap is crucial for women's empowerment and achieving SDG 5 (Gender Equality)