India, March 1 -- Amid a growing public debate over recent changes to the Mizo marriage and inheritance law, Chief Minister Lalduhoma has defended the amendments, asserting that they were the outcome of an extensive consultative process and not a unilateral decision of the government.

The Mizo Marriage and Inheritance of Property (Amendment) Bill, introduced by Lalduhoma in his capacity as Law Minister, was passed by the Mizoram Assembly last week. The legislation further codifies Mizo customary law and strengthens the principal Act of 2014 by introducing specific provisions on polygamy, inter-community marriages and women's property rights.

The amendment formally prohibits polygamy and provides women the right to claim up to 50% of mat...