Agnate and Cognate

Agnate and Cognate

The Hindu Succession Act, 1956, defines these terms to determine the order of inheritance when a male Hindu dies without a will (intestate).

  • Agnate (Section 3(1)(a)): Two persons are agnates if they are related to each other wholly through male lineage.

    • Example: A father's brother’s son is an agnate.

  • Cognate (Section 3(1)(c)): Two persons are cognates if they are related to each other, but not wholly through males. If there is even one female in the line of relationship, they become cognates.

    • Example: A sister's son or a mother’s brother is a cognate.

  • Significance: In the list of heirs, agnates are preferred over cognates.

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