Petitioner Has Not Demonstrated How He Is Aggrieved: SC While Dismissing PIL Challenging Provisions Of Hindu Succession Act

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation filed challenging certain provisions of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956. The PIL was filed by one S. Venkatesh from Madurai.

The Bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha held that the "The petitioner has not demonstrated how he is aggrieved by the provisions of the Hindu Succession Act 1956 which are sought to be challenged in a purported Public Interest Litigation".

The Petitioner appeared in person and submitted that "in an absolute sense I am aggrieved because an unconstitutional provision cannot be allowed to stay". 

Chief Justice Chandrachud then said, "These are matters relating to personal law and for inheritance. We can't.. Let somebody who is aggrieved come. We have one petition bending with regard to a specific point. But that is a separate issue". 

"Not by somebody not aggrieved", the CJI added.

While dismissing the Writ Petition, the Bench clarified that it is not expressing any opinion on the merit of the matter. "Without expressing any opinion on the question of law which is raised, we decline to entertain the Writ Petition on that ground". the Bench said.

Cause Title: S. Venkatesh v. Union of India (Writ Petition(s)(Civil) No(s). 505/2023)

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