Vidya (Smt) vs Nand Ram Alias Asoop Ram (Dead) By Lrs.

The Supreme Court held that Section 14(1) of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 applies to any property possessed by a female Hindu, including those acquired in lieu of maintenance, thereby granting her absolute ownership. The court rejected the appellant's argument that a third wife has no right to maintenance, affirming that the language of the statute does not limit rights based on the number of marriages. The court concluded that Smt. Durga, as a female Hindu, is entitled to her rights under the Act, and her claim for maintenance is valid.