DELHI HIGH COURT’S LANDMARK JUDGEMENT OPENED THE DOORS FOR WOMEN TO BE KARTA OF A HUF

ABSTRACT: In a Judgement that is expected to have far reaching ramifications, the Delhi High Court has ruled that a female member of a Hindu Undivided Family can also be the ‘Karta’. Falling prey to the patriarchal system, this role of leadership has been traditionally inherited by men of the household. This gave rise to familial disturbance, conflict between siblings and a lot of cases regarding to property rights. The HC ruling is important because it takes the 2005 reform in the Hindu Succession Act to its logical conclusion. Earlier, in the absence the next eldest male member after him was entitled to be Karta, however with the Delhi High Court’s decision, an eldest female member can become the Karta. This judgment in case of Mrs. Sujata Sharma Vs. Shri Manu Gupta 2 on 22/12/2015 is in line with ending gender discrimination and prevalent gender bias prevalent in traditional families