S. S. MUNNA LAL vs S. S. RAJKUMAR AND OTHERS

The Supreme Court held that a sonless Jain widow can adopt a son without the express authority of her husband, recognizing a long-standing custom among Jains. The Court affirmed the validity of the adoption of Rajkumar by Smt. K, despite challenges regarding the lack of express authority. Additionally, it ruled that Smt. K's share, declared by a preliminary decree, did not become her absolute property under Section 14 of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, and thus remained joint family property upon her death.