Supreme Court Verdict Upholds Inheritance Rights of Tribal Women

New Delhi, July 25, 2025 – In a landmark ruling in Ram Charan & Ors. vs. Sukhram & Ors., the Supreme Court asserted that the exclusion of tribal women from inheritance on the basis of customary practices violates the constitutional guarantee of equality. The verdict is being hailed as a progressive step towards gender justice among India’s tribal communities.

The case stemmed from an appeal where tribal women were denied inheritance rights solely on the grounds of tribal custom. The apex court held that such exclusion contravenes Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution, which ensure equality before the law and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of sex.

Referring to Articles 38 and 46, the Court emphasised the Constitution’s collective ethos of promoting social justice and eliminating inequality. It observed that while the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, does not apply to Scheduled Tribes, this does not amount to a blanket exclusion of tribal women from succession.

The bench ruled that in the absence of a clearly established and proven customary bar, courts are duty-bound to uphold the principles of justice, equity, and good conscience.

The judgment drew on key precedents, including Mst. Sarwango v. Mst. Urchamahin (2013), which awarded inheritance to daughters on the basis of equity, and the recent Tirith Kumar v. Daduram (2024), which upheld female inheritance rights in tribal property matters.

Legal experts have welcomed the ruling as a departure from the judiciary’s traditionally cautious stance on matters of tribal customs and gender. The verdict not only reinforces the constitutional promise of non-discrimination but also sets a precedent for future disputes involving tribal women's rights.

By affirming that equality must prevail over outdated and unproven customs, the Supreme Court has signalled a significant shift in advancing the rights of tribal women across the country.

Courtesy: Digital Current Affairs

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