KELUKUTTY & ORS. vs MAMMAD & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that under the Makkathayam customary law, Chandu, the undivided younger brother of Kelu, succeeded to Kelu's estate over his wife and children. The Court found that the evidence established Chandu's status as an undivided brother, and thus he was a preferential heir according to the applicable customary law. The judgment of the Kerala High Court was upheld, affirming Chandu's right to inherit Kelu's self-acquired properties.