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Interpretation of Hindu Succession Act - Devolution of property upon death of Hindu - Status of property inherited by sons and grandsons - Whether separate property of deceased constitutes Hindu undivided family property. Analysis: The case involved a question of law regarding the status of property inherited by sons and grandsons under the Hindu Succession Act. The deceased, Shri L. K. Goyal, had filed a return as a Hindu undivided family, leaving behind four sons. The Income-tax Officer assessed the property on a protective basis, considering it as an association of persons. However, the Appellate Assistant Commissioner held that the property devolved upon the sons as a Hindu undivided family. The Commissioner of Income-tax challenged this decision before the Income-tax Appellate Tribunal. The Tribunal considered various legal precedents, including the case law from different High Courts. The Allahabad High Court had held that property inherited by sons and grandsons does not constitute Hindu undivided family property. The Madras High Court and Madhya Pradesh High Court also supported this view, emphasizing the provisions of the Hindu Succession Act. The Gujarat High Court, in contrast, had a different interpretation, stating that sons inherit property as joint family property. However, the Supreme Court later overturned this view, upholding the stance of other High Courts. The Tribunal's decision was found to be incorrect based on the legal analysis. The court held that the property inherited by the sons and grandsons of the deceased did not qualify as Hindu undivided family property. The judgment clarified the interpretation of the Hindu Succession Act and directed the Tribunal to act in accordance with this decision. In conclusion, the court ruled against the Tribunal's decision, emphasizing that the separate property of the deceased did not constitute Hindu undivided family property. This judgment provided clarity on the devolution of property under the Hindu Succession Act and highlighted the correct legal interpretation regarding the status of inherited property.
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