The correct option is (a).
Explanation
The Hindu Succession Amendment Act, 2005, was enacted to remove gender discriminatory provisions in the Hindu Succession Act, 1956. A significant change introduced by this amendment was granting daughters equal rights in ancestral property (coparcenary rights), placing them on par with sons regarding succession, including rights over agricultural land.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- 1. Sons: Correct. Sons are classified as Class I heirs under the Schedule of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956. They have traditionally been coparceners and are eligible for a share in the deceased father's property.
- 2. Daughters: Correct. The 2005 Amendment made the daughter of a coparcener a coparcener in her own right in the same manner as the son. Consequently, daughters are fully eligible for a share in the deceased father's agricultural land.
- 3. Wife: Correct. The widow (wife) of the deceased is a Class I heir. Under the general rules of succession for a male Hindu dying intestate, Class I heirs take the property simultaneously and to the exclusion of all other heirs.
- 4. Brothers of the deceased: Incorrect. Brothers are classified as Class II heirs. According to the Hindu Succession Act, the property devolves upon Class II heirs only if there are no heirs in Class I. Since sons, daughters, and the wife (Class I heirs) are present, the brothers are not eligible for a share.
Key Takeaway:
The Hindu Succession Amendment Act, 2005, ensures that daughters are coparceners by birth in the joint Hindu family property, granting them equal inheritance rights as sons. Class I heirs (Son, Daughter, Widow, Mother) have precedence over Class II heirs (Brother, Sister, Father).