Mizoram’s largest women’s organisation, the Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), has urged the state government to withdraw the recently amended marriage and inheritance law, saying the changes are inadequate and could be unsafe for Mizo women.The appeal came on February 27, a few days after the Mizoram Legislative Assembly passed the Mizo Marriage and Inheritance of Property (Amendment) Bill on February 24. In a statement, the MHIP said that under the earlier law, provisions applied uniformly to all Mizo citizens, including those who married outside the community. However, the amended law excludes Mizo women who marry non-tribal men. The organisation expressed concern that this clause could have serious social and legal consequences for women and their children.
The women’s body also stated that although it was represented in the Mizo Customary Law Committee, it was not consulted or informed about the specific provisions while the Bill was being drafted. The MHIP said it has rejected the present version of the amendment and is examining other legal options to better protect women’s rights and ensure gender justice.The Bill was introduced by Chief Minister Lalduhoma in his capacity as Law Minister. The government said the objective of the amendment is to further codify Mizo customary laws and bring clarity to traditional practices related to marriage and inheritance.Under the new law, polygamy and bigamy have been formally banned. Women are also allowed to claim up to 50 per cent of matrimonial property and jointly acquired assets in case of divorce. The amendment makes it compulsory for divorcees to produce a valid divorce certificate before entering into another marriage.
However, a major point of concern raised by critics is a clause stating that if a Mizo woman marries a non-Mizo man, she will no longer retain her Mizo identity, and her children will not be eligible to claim Scheduled Tribe status. Opponents argue that this provision promotes gender discrimination.Since the Bill was passed, the issue has led to debate on social media and public platforms. While some have supported the move as a way to regulate inter-community marriages and preserve customary practices, others have argued that ethnic identity is determined by birth and should not change due to marriage.), has urged the state government to withdraw the recently amended marriage and inheritance law, saying the changes are inadequate and could be unsafe for Mizo women.
