Supreme Court's Call to Law Commission: Revisiting Hindu Personal Laws for Buddhists

The Supreme Court urged the Law Commission to consider revising Hindu personal laws applicable to Buddhists. The court received a plea from the Buddhist Personal Law Action Committee, arguing these laws infringe on Buddhists' rights. The Commission is tasked with assessing necessary legal changes to protect Buddhist cultural and religious freedoms.

The Supreme Court has requested that the Law Commission of India review a plea from the Buddhist Personal Law Action Committee. The plea argues that Hindu personal laws applied to Buddhists infringe on their fundamental rights, including the freedom to practice their religion.

Chief Justice Surya Kant, alongside Justice Joymalya Bagchi, addressed the committee's concerns regarding the imposition of Hindu laws, such as the Hindu Marriage Act and the Hindu Succession Act, on the Buddhist community. These laws also apply to Jains and Sikhs under Article 25 of the Constitution.

The Law Commission, a reputed body usually headed by eminent legal figures, has been tasked with examining the plea. The bench acknowledged that the Commission is well-suited to make recommendations for any constitutional amendments needed to uphold the constitutional rights and cultural practices of the Buddhist community in India.

(With inputs from agencies.)