Mizoram’s largest women’s organisation, the Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), on February 27 urged the state government to withdraw the Mizo Marriage and Inheritance of Property (Amendment) Bill, passed by the Mizoram Assembly on February 24, saying the changes are inadequate and could be unsafe for Mizo women and their children.
The MHIP’s appeal focuses on a contested clause that it says strips Mizo women of their Mizo identity if they marry non‑tribal men and bars their children from claiming Scheduled Tribe status. The organisation warned this provision could carry serious social and legal consequences and effectively institutionalise gender discrimination within customary law.
The amendment, introduced in the Assembly by Chief Minister Lalduhoma in his capacity as Law Minister, is presented as an effort to further codify Mizo customary law. It makes several notable changes: it formally bans polygamy and bigamy; allows women to claim up to 50% of matrimonial property and jointly acquired assets on divorce; and requires divorcees to produce a valid divorce certificate before remarrying.
While some supporters argue the law regulates inter‑tribal marriages and protects customary practices, critics say the identity clause conflicts with constitutional protections. Legal experts cited by opponents point to Supreme Court rulings holding that caste or tribal status is determined by birth and does not change upon marriage, and that children’s eligibility for SC/ST status is based on lineage.
The MHIP also said it was neither consulted nor informed about the specific provisions despite being represented on the Mizo Customary Law Committee. The group said it has rejected the current text of the bill and is exploring alternative legal frameworks to better protect women’s rights and achieve gender justice.
Since the bill’s passage, debate has been polarised across social media and public forums. The MHIP has called on the state government to review and repeal the amendment, warning that failure to do so could weaken legal safeguards for Mizo women and deepen gender inequality within customary law frameworks.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/mizoram/story/mizoram-womens-group-demands-state-repeal-amended-marriage-law-calls-it-unsafe-1352700-2026-02-27?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-02-27 21:42:00
