Law to be administered by courts in deciding questions regarding succession, inheritance, marriage, etc.

Where, in any suit or proceeding, it is necessary for any court under this Act to decide any question regarding succession, inheritance, marriage or any religious usage or institution- (i) (a) the Muslim law in cases where the parties are Muslims and Hindu law in cases where the parties are Hindus, or (b) any custom, if such there be, having the force of law and governing the parties or property concerned, shall form the rule of decision, unless such law or custom has been altered or abolished by legislative enactment, and (ii) in a case where no specific rule exists the court shall act according to justice, equity and good conscience.