SUKHRAM & ANOTHER vs GAURI SHANKAR & ANR.

The Supreme Court held that under Section 14(1) of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, a widow becomes the full owner of her deceased husband's share in the joint family property, allowing her to sell it without the consent of other coparceners. The Court clarified that while male coparceners are restricted in alienating their interests, these restrictions do not apply to widows who acquire property rights under the Act. The appeal was dismissed, affirming the High Court's decision that the sale by the widow was valid.