SMT. GURNAM KAUR & ANR. vs PURAN SINGH & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that under Section 16 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, as amended by Amendment Act 68 of 1976, a child born of a marriage that is null and void is deemed legitimate if the marriage would have been valid. The Court clarified that the requirement for a decree of nullity is no longer necessary for legitimacy. Consequently, the appellant, being the daughter of Ram Singh, is entitled to inherit his property under Section 8 of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956. The appeal was allowed, affirming the appellant's legitimacy and property rights.