FAMILY ARRANGEMENTS IN INDIA: PRESERVING THE QUINTESSENTIAL SOCIAL UNIT OF THE INDIAN SOCIETY

Abstract It is said family is perhaps the most important thread of the social fabric of this country. The Hindu Society has existed from time immemorial and has even progressed in many aspects, but the basic social unit which holds this society together has not changed. Even today major business entrepreneurs live in a joint family and owe a major part of their success to this social unit. However, as the society has progressed the very existence of joint family has come under threat when there is no articulate demarcation with regards to ownership of a property. Joint family and disputes in the modern era have become an ordinary sight in the courts of law. In a developing country like India, where the law is no more at a nascent stage, but the public at large is unaware of alternate dispute resolutions, tend to enter into aggressive litigation which often witnesses exchange of accusations and words which shatter the peace and security of a family to a point of no return. It is in this background, this paper focuses on how property disputes, which are subject matter of most family related litigations can be avoid not only to preserve the sanctity of a family but also save time and hard earned money by avoiding litigation. Family arrangements or family settlements can be entered into not only to bring an end to a family dispute but also ensure equitable distribution of wealth among family members.