Mizoram's 'misogynistic' marriage, divorce law faces challenge in SC
An entrepreneur has challenged the constitutional validity of the 2014 Mizo Marriage, Divorce and Inheritance of Property Act, arguing it is misogynistic and discriminatory against Mizo women. The Supreme Court of India has directed the Gauhati High Court to hear the petition to ensure the petitioner's safety.
Why it matters
The case highlights the ongoing tension between codified customary laws and constitutional rights regarding gender equality and personal liberty in India.
NEW DELHI: Entrepreneur and Congress functionary Meriam L Hrangchal Monday challenged the constitutional validity of Mizo Marriage, Divorce and Inheritance of Property Act, 2014, which was enacted by Congress govt headed by Lal Thanhawla, terming it "misogynistic and pro-Mizo men".Hrangchal, daughter of former deputy CM Lalhmingthanga, told a bench headed by CJI Surya Kant that the law, which codified customary law, applied to any person belonging to a Mizo tribe and extended to marriages where the male member belonged to a Mizo tribe.The 2014 Act denies Mizo women, who marry outside the Mizo community, access to a comprehensive community-specific statutory framework governing marriage, property and inheritance, thereby infringing their right to equality, dignity and personal liberty under Articles 14 and 21, she said.The law marginalises the independent identity of Mizo women and refuses them the benefits under the 2014 Act which extends to…
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