MAHARAJA PILLAI LAKSHMI AMMAL vs MAHARAJA PILLAI THILLANAYAKOM PILLAI AND ANOTHER

The Supreme Court held that the widow of Maharaja Pillai acquired an absolute right over the properties listed in the 'A' schedule under Section 14(1) of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, as she was in exclusive possession and entitled to the income for her maintenance. The Court restored the trial court's judgment, which had recognized her absolute right, rejecting the appellate court's view that limited her rights under Section 14(2). The ruling emphasized that property given for maintenance must be presumed to confer full rights to the widow.