India, March 12 -- The Supreme Court on Thursday asked a petitioner challenging a Transfer of Property Act (TPA) provision that exempts Muslim gifts (hiba) from registration requirements to first approach the Law Commission of India. The petitioner argued that the exemption is discriminatory and results in loss to the public exchequer.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi underlined that the expert body is tasked with studying laws and recommending changes where necessary. It disposed of lawyer Hari Shankar Jain's plea, granting him liberty to approach the commission.

"In our considered opinion, the correct approach for the petitioner would be to approach the Law Co...