Aizawl: Mizoram’s largest women’s organisation has called on the state government to repeal the newly passed ‘Mizo Marriage and Inheritance of Property (Amendment) Bill’, alleging that certain provisions could undermine the rights and identity of Mizo women.
Notably, the legislation was cleared by the Assembly on February 24.
The Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) expressed strong reservations about the amendment, stating that it is “inadequate” and “potentially unsafe” for women of the community. The organisation urged the government to review and reconsider the law, arguing that it does not sufficiently safeguard women’s interests.
One of the key concerns raised by MHIP relates to a clause that excludes Mizo women who marry non-tribal men from retaining their Mizo identity. Under the previous law, all Mizo citizens — including those who married outside the community — were covered.
The new provision states that a Mizo woman who marries a non-Mizo will lose her Mizo identity, and her children will not be eligible to claim Scheduled Tribe status.
The women’s body also claimed that despite having representation in the Mizo Customary Law Committee, it was neither adequately consulted nor informed about specific provisions during the drafting process.
It said it has rejected the current version of the Bill and is now exploring alternative approaches to ensure legal reforms that better protect women’s rights.
The Bill was introduced by Chief Minister Lalduhoma in his capacity as Law Minister, with the objective of codifying Mizo customary laws and introducing reforms in areas such as polygamy, inter-community marriages, and inheritance rights.
Among its key provisions, the legislation formally prohibits polygamy and bigamy. It stipulates that no individual can enter into a second marriage while a previous one remains legally valid. Divorcees intending to remarry must produce a divorce certificate to establish that their earlier marriage has been legally dissolved.
The amendment also seeks to strengthen women’s financial security within marriage. It provides that women are entitled to claim up to 50 per cent of matrimonial property and jointly acquired assets in the event of a divorce.
However, the clause relating to identity and Scheduled Tribe status has sparked widespread controversy. Critics argue that ethnic identity is determined by birth and lineage and cannot be revoked through legislative measures.
Some opponents have also questioned the legal sustainability of the provision, citing Supreme Court judgments which hold that a woman’s caste is determined by birth and does not change upon marriage, thereby protecting her children’s eligibility for SC or ST status.
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Since its passage, the amendment has triggered a polarised debate across social media and within civil society. While some supporters view it as a necessary step to regulate inter-community marriages and preserve customary practices, others contend that it institutionalises gender discrimination and could adversely affect Mizo women.
