Archive · 22 Sep 2025
Adivasi Women Fight for Land Rights After Supreme Court Ruling
Imagine families in some tribal communities had rules that said only men could inherit land after someone died.
This meant women were often left with nothing.
Now, the highest court has ruled that those rules can't stop women from inheriting land, stating everyone should have equal rights.
Some people think this is a good thing because women should have the same rights as men.
Others worry that changing the rules might upset traditions.
The fight for these land rights is ongoing, with different communities and people having different views.
The Supreme Court overturned judgments based on customary law, supporting Adivasi women's land rights.
Traditional laws often exclude Adivasi women from inheriting land, with property going to male relatives.
The ruling cited justice, equity, and Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, against discriminatory customs.
The judgment sparked debate, with some supporting it and others raising concerns about cultural impacts.
The case highlights the struggle of Adivasi women for property rights in their communities and legal system.
- Who
- Adivasi women, the Supreme Court, community members
- What
- Adivasi women's struggle for land inheritance rights and a Supreme Court ruling overturning traditional practices
- When
- Supreme Court ruling in July 2023, with ongoing debates spanning decades
- Where
- Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, India
- Why
- To secure property rights and challenge traditional laws that often deny women inheritance
Supporters of Women's Land Rights
Critics of Women's Land Rights
Impact on Custom
Supporters of Women's Land Rights
Upholding gender equality.
Critics of Women's Land Rights
Risks wiping out old customs.
Protection of Communal Land
Supporters of Women's Land Rights
Land systems favor men and can enable external forces.
Critics of Women's Land Rights
Fears it may lead to non-Adivasi people taking over their land.
- Key Issue
- Land inheritance rights for Adivasi women
- Supreme Court Ruling
- Overturned previous judgments based on customary law, favoring women's rights
- Relevant Laws
- Indian Constitution (Article 14, Article 244), Hindu Succession Act, customary laws
- Impact of Customary Law
- Often excluded women from inheriting land
- Communities Discussed
- Santal, Gond, Munda, Oraon
- Locations
- Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, India