Succession Laws in India Particularly for Hindus, until codified and contained in legislative enactments and before such codification, have their origin in religion, being based on respective religious texts and practices as also the understanding and interpretations of edicts of religion by respected laws and texts of scholars.

The differing views of different scholars and preachers within the community gave rise to evolution of different sects within the religion, following different rules of conduct including the rules relating to succession of property. The conflicting interpretations of religious texts, regional variations in practice and synergetic influences of cultural differences resulted in chaotic conditions in which there was no certainty as to the way succession will take place.

The need for a comprehensive law to deal with matters relating to succession – intestate as well as testamentary – was being felt which resulted in the enactment of the Indian Succession Act, 1925.