SEETHALAKSHMI AMMAL vs MUTHUVENKATARAMA IYENGAR

The Supreme Court held that under Section 15 of the Hindu Succession Act, the heirs of a female Hindu dying intestate must be determined at the time of her death, not at the time of her husband's death. The Court clarified that the appellant, as the widow of a pre-deceased son, qualifies as an heir under Section 15(1)(b) of the Act. Consequently, the Court allowed the appeal, set aside the High Court's order, and decreed the appellant's suit for ownership and possession of the properties left by Gomathi Ammal.