Mizoram Assembly Amends Marriage & Inheritance Law
The Mizoram Legislative Assembly unanimously passed an amendment bill to codify customary laws on marriage, divorce and property inheritance, introducing major reforms including a ban on polygamy.
AIZAWL- The Mizoram Legislative Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed a bill amending the Mizo Marriage, Divorce and Inheritance of Property Act, 2014, marking a significant step toward codifying customary laws governing marriage, divorce and inheritance in the state. The legislation introduces sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening legal safeguards, particularly for women, while aligning traditional practices with contemporary legal frameworks.
The amendment was introduced by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, who also holds the Law and Judicial Affairs portfolio. Lawmakers said the revised provisions seek to modernise customary practices and bring greater clarity to marital rights, separation procedures and property inheritance rules within Mizo society.
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One of the central features of the amendment is a formal prohibition on polygamy and bigamy. Under the new law, individuals will not be allowed to enter into a second marriage while a previous one remains legally valid. The legislation also requires a valid divorce certificate before remarriage, reflecting an effort to align state law with broader national criminal statutes.
The bill also strengthens women’s rights in matrimonial property matters. Revised provisions expand entitlements to jointly acquired assets following divorce or separation, addressing long-standing concerns over financial security for women under customary practices.
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The amended legislation aims to harmonise traditional Mizo customs with evolving legal standards. Observers note that customary laws have historically governed personal matters such as marriage and inheritance in Mizoram, making legislative updates particularly significant in balancing cultural practices with constitutional principles.
Some provisions also clarify eligibility and applicability of the law in cases of inter-community marriages, reflecting debates around identity, inheritance and customary rights within the state’s socio-legal framework.
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Legal analysts suggest that the unanimous passage of the amendment signals a rare political consensus on social reform in the state. By codifying customary practices and introducing safeguards against polygamy, the Assembly has sought to modernise personal laws while retaining cultural distinctiveness.
The bill is expected to reshape legal interpretations of marriage and property rights in Mizoram, potentially influencing discussions on customary law reforms across other northeastern states where community-based legal traditions continue to play a significant role.
