Guwahati: The Supreme Court on Monday directed a Mizo woman challenging amendments to Mizoram’s marriage and property inheritance law to approach the Gauhati High Court.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana told counsel for petitioner Meriam L Hrangchal that she need not travel to Delhi when a high court is available in the region.
The bench advised the petitioner to file her plea before the Gauhati High Court, noting that the high courts were established to address such matters.
The plea challenges the constitutional validity of amendments introduced through The Mizo Marriage and Inheritance of Property (Amendment) Act, 2026.
The petitioner has alleged that the amended law discriminates against Mizo women who marry non-Mizo men and adversely affects the rights of their children.
The legislation further codifies customary law and strengthens the principal Act of 2014, with changes relating to polygamy, inter-community marriage and women’s property rights.
The amended law introduces a ban on polygamy and provides women with rights to 50 per cent of matrimonial property. However, a provision concerning the status of Mizo women who marry non-Mizo men has triggered debate.
The petitioner has challenged the interpretation of the provision, which she claims could result in Mizo women losing their Mizo identity and Scheduled Tribe (ST) status after marrying non-Mizo men.