In general, a son-in-law does not have an automatic legal right to inherit his father-in-law's property. Inheritance laws typically prioritize spouses, children, and other blood relatives over in-laws. However, there are some indirect ways a son-in-law might benefit from his father-in-law's assets.

No Direct Claim Under Hindu Law

Under the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, the property of a deceased Hindu male who dies without a will (intestate) devolves to his Class I heirs. These heirs include the spouse, children (sons and daughters), mother, and grandchildren from deceased sons. A son-in-law is not included in this list of Class I heirs. This means that a son-in-law cannot automatically claim a share in his father-in-law's property, even if he has contributed financially to the property or lived with the family. The Kerala High Court has also affirmed this principle, stating that a son-in-law's stay in the father-in-law's house is based on the owner's permission and does not grant him ownership rights.

Indirect Inheritance Through the Daughter

A son-in-law can indirectly inherit his father-in-law's property through his wife, the daughter of the father-in-law. Daughters are Class I heirs and have an equal right to their father's property. If the daughter inherits a share of her father's property, her husband (the son-in-law) may eventually inherit that property from her. This can happen in a few ways:

• Through a Will: The father-in-law can explicitly name the son-in-law in his will, granting him a share of the property.
• Inheritance from Wife: If the daughter inherits the property and then passes away, her husband (the son-in-law) would typically inherit her assets, including the property she inherited from her father. State inheritance laws generally prioritize spouses.
• Death of Daughter: If the daughter dies before her father (the father-in-law), the son-in-law would not inherit directly. However, their children (the grandchildren of the father-in-law) would be legal heirs and could inherit their mother's share.

Self-Acquired vs. Ancestral Property

The type of property also matters. A father-in-law has the right to dispose of his self-acquired property as he wishes, which includes willing it to his son-in-law. However, ancestral property is inherited from male ancestors, and sons and daughters have a right to a share in it from birth. A son-in-law does not have an automatic right to his father-in-law's self-acquired property unless it is included in a will.

Widow's Rights

A daughter-in-law's rights to her father-in-law's property are derivative and depend on her deceased husband's share in the property. She cannot claim the property directly but can inherit through her husband's share. Upon the father-in-law's death, his property is inherited by his legal heirs, which typically include his wife, sons, daughters, and if a son is deceased, his legal heirs (including his widow and children).

Important Considerations

• Will or Gift Deed: The most straightforward way for a son-in-law to inherit property from his father-in-law is if the father-in-law formally transfers the property to him via a will or gift deed.
• State Laws: Inheritance laws vary by state. It is important to consider the specific laws of the relevant jurisdiction.
• Legal Advice: It is always advisable to seek legal advice from an attorney to understand your rights and options.

In conclusion, while a son-in-law generally has no automatic legal right to his father-in-law's property, there are indirect ways he may inherit, primarily through his wife or via a will or gift deed.