STATE OF PUNJAB vs BALWANT SINGH & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that under Section 15(1) and (2) of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, property inherited by a female Hindu from her husband cannot escheat to the Government if there are any heirs qualified to succeed. The Court clarified that the State only takes property when there is a total absence of heirs, and that a female Hindu is considered a fresh stock of descent. The appeal by the State was dismissed, while the appeal of the defendants was allowed, affirming that the plaintiff had a right to redeem the mortgaged property as there were heirs present.