The Hindu Succession Act, 1956 applies to a person who is not a Muslim, Christian, Parsi or Jew unless:

Section 2(1)(c) of the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 applies to any person who is not a Muslim, Christian, Parsi or Jew by religion "unless it is proved" that he would not have been governed by Hindu law, or by any custom or usage as part of that law, had the Act not been passed. A personal declaration, residence abroad or a court exemption is not the exception the Act provides.