Mizoram Women's Group Urges Repeal of Marriage Law Amendment Over Identity Clause

Mizoram's recently passed Marriage and Inheritance of Property (Amendment) Bill bans polygamy and enhances women's rights to claim up to 50% of matrimonial property upon divorce. However, the Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), the state's largest women's group, has called the bill "inadequate" and "potentially unsafe," urging its repeal due to a clause that strips Mizo women of their tribal identity and Scheduled Tribe status if they marry non-Mizo men. MHIP also claims lack of consultation during drafting, despite official representation on the law committee. The bill, introduced by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, has sparked debate over its impact on women's rights and community identity.