I read a news article about the Supreme Court ruling on ancestral property. It said women can’t inherit ancestral property if their father died before 2005. I’m from Tamil Nadu, and I have some questions. Does this ruling apply to all states? Can women really not inherit ancestral property if their father died before 2005? What share would a woman be entitled to if her father died before 2005?

The Supreme Court ruling you’re referring to only applies to specific cases and does not universally bar women from inheriting ancestral property. The 2005 amendment to the Hindu Succession Act granted equal inheritance rights to daughters, but it doesn’t retroactively change the laws that were in effect before 2005. To understand your specific situation, you should consult with a legal professional familiar with Tamil Nadu laws.