Aizawl, Feb 28: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday defended recent amendments to the state’s marriage and property inheritance laws, stating the changes were based on broad consensus rather than unilateral government action, even as debate intensified on social media.

The Mizo Marriage and Inheritance of Property (Amendment) Bill, tabled by Lalduhoma—who also holds the law portfolio—was passed by the Mizoram Assembly earlier this month. The amendment codifies customary practices under the 2014 principal Act, bans polygamy, clarifies rules on inter-community marriages, and grants women 50 percent rights to matrimonial property.

However, controversy has emerged over a clause interpreted by some groups as removing the tribal identity and Scheduled Tribe (ST) status of Mizo women who marry non-Mizo men. The state’s largest women’s organisation, Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), on Friday demanded withdrawal of the provision, describing it as unsafe for women.

Speaking in the Assembly during discussion on a private member’s resolution, Lalduhoma said the provision was derived from the 2014 Act, which treats such women as joining their husband’s family and losing Mizo customary rights. He said that if a Mizo woman marries a non-tribal man, she loses her tribal status and her children cannot obtain a Tribal Certificate under customary interpretation.

The chief minister noted that a 1977 circular of the Union Home Ministry allows Tribal Certificates for children raised within tribal communities by Mizo mothers, subject to proof of community acceptance and social disadvantages. He added that a 2019 circular from the Social Justice Ministry and a recent Supreme Court ruling also support case-by-case evaluation rather than blanket eligibility.

Acknowledging that inter-community marriages are increasing in what he described as a “global village,” Lalduhoma urged society to move beyond what he called an insular mindset. He cited examples of Mizo women married to non-Mizos in India and abroad who continue to support the community.

To address the issue, he proposed forming a new committee to examine the status of such women and their children.

The amendments were based on recommendations of the Mizo Customary Law Review Committee, which included representatives from MHIP, the Central Young Mizo Association, experts from Mizoram University, and members of law colleges.