On 8th October 2025, the University organized a guest lecture on “Evolution of the Hindu Succession Law” by Mr. Suryanarayana Rao, an eminent advocate with over 54 years of experience in civil litigation. Drawing from his vast legal practice, Mr. Rao offered an insightful exploration of how Hindu succession law has developed over time, both legislatively and judicially.
He began by stressing that “an advocate without knowledge of history is like a tree without roots,” setting the tone for a discussion rich in context and depth. His lecture vividly explained key legal concepts such as coparcenary property, joint family, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, and the distinction between joint property and joint family property. He also provided a detailed interpretation of Sections 6 and 8 of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, and clarified the difference between per stirpes and per capita modes of property division.
Mr. Rao further distinguished between stridhan and limited estate, and highlighted the progressive role of the Mysore Law Women’s Right Act, 1933, and the Hindu Women’s Right to Property Act, 1937, in securing widows’ inheritance rights. By citing landmark case laws, he demonstrated how judicial interpretation continues to shape the evolving landscape of succession law.
The session felt like a courtroom brought into the classroom—bridging theory and practice seamlessly. Mr. Rao concluded by expressing heartfelt gratitude to his mentors and father, acknowledging them as the foundation of his knowledge and values.
