Multiple Choice Questions on Hindu Law for CLAT PG 2026- PART I
1. Which of the following is not a recognised source of Hindu law according to traditional texts?
a. Shruti
b. Smriti
c. Precedent
d. Custom of foreign origin contrary to dharma
b. Smriti
c. Precedent
d. Custom of foreign origin contrary to dharma
Answer: d
Explanation: The classical sources are Shruti, Smriti, Commentaries, Digests, and Custom, provided the custom is ancient, certain, reasonable, and not opposed to dharma. A custom of foreign origin against dharma is not valid.
2. Under Mitakshara law, the right of a coparcener arises:
a. By birth
b. On attaining majority
c. On partition only
d. By grant of the Karta
b. On attaining majority
c. On partition only
d. By grant of the Karta
Answer: a
Explanation: A coparcenary interest under Mitakshara arises by birth in ancestral property.
3. A Hindu marriage solemnised without the requisite ceremonies but with mutual consent is:
a. Void
b. Voidable
c. Valid if registered
d. Valid if cohabitation continues for 7 years
b. Voidable
c. Valid if registered
d. Valid if cohabitation continues for 7 years
Answer: a
Explanation: Section 7 of the Hindu Marriage Act requires essential ceremonies (like saptapadi or customary rites). Without them, the marriage is void.
4. Which of the following marriages is valid under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955?
a. Marriage between a man and his brother’s widow
b. Marriage between a man and his step-sister’s daughter
c. Marriage between sapindas within prohibited degrees with custom permitting
d. Marriage with a woman already lawfully wedded
b. Marriage between a man and his step-sister’s daughter
c. Marriage between sapindas within prohibited degrees with custom permitting
d. Marriage with a woman already lawfully wedded
Answer: c
Explanation: Section 5 permits marriage between sapindas or within prohibited degrees only if a valid custom allows it.
5. Who is competent to give a child in adoption under the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956?
a. Only the father
b. Only the mother if father is dead or renounced
c. Either father or mother, subject to statutory conditions
d. Any adult relative
b. Only the mother if father is dead or renounced
c. Either father or mother, subject to statutory conditions
d. Any adult relative
Answer: c
Explanation: Section 9 provides that the father or mother (if living) can give a child in adoption, subject to prescribed conditions and with the consent of the spouse (unless exempted).
6. A widow adopting a son without her husband’s authority under the present law is:
a. Void
b. Valid if approved by husband’s heirs
c. Valid under Section 8 of HAMA
d. Voidable at the instance of natural parents
b. Valid if approved by husband’s heirs
c. Valid under Section 8 of HAMA
d. Voidable at the instance of natural parents
Answer: c
Explanation: Under Section 8 of HAMA, a widow can adopt a child in her own right, without prior authority of her deceased husband.
7. In which of the following cases is a Hindu marriage voidable, not void?
a. Marriage with spouse living
b. Marriage without ceremonies
c. Marriage under coercion or fraud
d. Marriage between sapindas without custom
b. Marriage without ceremonies
c. Marriage under coercion or fraud
d. Marriage between sapindas without custom
Answer: c
Explanation: Section 12 of the Hindu Marriage Act makes marriages obtained by fraud or coercion voidable, unlike bigamous or prohibited degree marriages, which are void.
8. Under Hindu law, a coparcener can demand partition of:
a. All joint family property
b. Self-acquired property of Karta
c. Property gifted to the joint family deity
d. Property held by members as tenants-in-common
b. Self-acquired property of Karta
c. Property gifted to the joint family deity
d. Property held by members as tenants-in-common
Answer: a
Explanation: Only joint family property can be partitioned. Self-acquired or dedicated property is excluded.
9. The doctrine of pious obligation (liability of sons to discharge father’s debts) has been abolished:
a. Entirely by the Hindu Succession Act, 1956
b. Only in respect of post-2005 debts
c. Except for debts incurred before 9 September 2005
d. For debts related to immoral or illegal purposes
b. Only in respect of post-2005 debts
c. Except for debts incurred before 9 September 2005
d. For debts related to immoral or illegal purposes
Answer: c
Explanation: Section 6(4) of the Hindu Succession Act (as amended in 2005) abolished the doctrine for debts incurred after 9 September 2005.
10. A Hindu male dies intestate in 2025, leaving a widow, two sons, and a daughter. His separate property devolves:
a. Equally on all four heirs
b. Entirely on the sons
c. To widow and sons only
d. Half to widow, half to sons
b. Entirely on the sons
c. To widow and sons only
d. Half to widow, half to sons
Answer: a
Explanation: Under Section 8 of the Hindu Succession Act, Class I heirs (widow, sons, daughters) inherit equally.
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Ruchika Mohapatra
Contributing author
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