NEW DELHI: 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 for relief.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana told petitioner Meriam L Hrangchal’s counsel that there was no need to approach the Supreme Court directly when the high court had jurisdiction over the matter.
Hrangchal has challenged the constitutional validity of the Mizo Marriage and Inheritance of Property (Amendment) Act, 2026, alleging that its provisions discriminate against Mizo women who marry non-Mizo men and affect the rights of their children.
The amended law codifies customary practices and introduces changes concerning polygamy, inter-community marriages and women’s rights over matrimonial property. It prohibits polygamy and provides women with an equal 50 per cent share in matrimonial property.
However, provisions concerning inter-community marriages have triggered concerns over the community identity and Scheduled Tribe status of Mizo women marrying outside the community, as well as the status and rights of their children.
The Supreme Court’s direction means Hrangchal will now have to pursue her constitutional challenge before the Gauhati High Court, which has jurisdiction over Mizoram.
