New Delhi | The Supreme Court on Monday asked a Mizo woman challenging the constitutional validity of 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 there was no need for her to travel to Delhi when the jurisdictional high court was available in the region.

The bench advised the petitioner to file her plea before the Gauhati High Court, observing that high courts were established to deal with such matters. Hrangchal has challenged the constitutional validity of amendments introduced through The Mizo Marriage and Inheritance of Property (Amendment) Act, 2026.

The petitioner has alleged that the amended provisions discriminate against Mizo women who marry non-Mizo men and adversely affect the rights of their children. The amended legislation further codifies customary law and strengthens provisions of the principal 2014 Act, including those relating to polygamy, inter-community marriages and women’s property rights.

The amendments prohibit polygamy and provide women with rights to 50 per cent of matrimonial property. However, provisions concerning Mizo women marrying non-Mizo men have triggered controversy. The petitioner has challenged the interpretation of these provisions, alleging that Mizo women could lose their Mizo identity and Scheduled Tribe status after marrying men from outside the Mizo community.

The Supreme Court’s direction means the constitutional challenge will now have to be pursued before the Gauhati High Court, which has jurisdiction over Mizoram.