© 2016 AP PHOTO/MAHESH KUMAR A.
A ruling from last week will allow the eldest woman of her family to take head the household, no matter their birth ranking.
8 Februari 2016 16:00
Brilio.net/en - India hasnt been in the best light in recent years regarding the treatment of women. Whether its the gang rapes of a young girl on a public bus or the mistreatment of underage girls as prostitutes, terrifying tales of mistreatment of women has ravaged the country.
In a much-needed step into the 21st century, theres good news for the eldest women across the country. A ruling from last week will allow the eldest woman of her family to take head the household, in a role that has been traditionally occupied by men of the family, no matter their birth ranking.
The decision will impact the Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) which is a legally recognized group that is created by members of Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Sikh Indians through marriage. It is a unit that families create in order to handle insurance and taxes, and is a role that is headed by the eldest member of the family, known as a Karta. The Karta of the family is anointed both ritually and practically through the Hindu traditions and the Indian legal system.
The ruling came after a legal dispute in which the eldest fighter of her family claimed to be its Karta after the passing of her father, a move which her male cousin challenged. Justice Najmi Waziri of the Delhi High Court said in public judgment: If a male member of a Hindu Undivided Family, by virtue of his being the first born eldest, can be a Karta, so can a female member.
In 2005, women were granted the right to equality in inheritance matter through a constitutional ruling, but this decision will give women across the country agency regarding jointly held businesses, property assets and give them the opportunity to act as lead funeral rights for family members. In 2015,the Supreme court rules that women would be allowed to keep any gifts she receives before and after marriage is she separates from her husband. While a legally less significant ruling, it still carries much significance for the role and agency that women hold in Indian societies.
Changing laws are necessary in order to set precedent for changing societies. Injustices will surely still be rampant, but legal rights and equal protection are the foundation that can build gender equality.
Youve got to crawl before you can walk.
(Reported by Ivana Lucic)
