Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill 2018

Personal Laws

Question: Consider the following statements:
1) Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill 2018 has been passed by the Parliament
2) Bill seeks to remove leprosy as a ground for divorce as it is curable
3) India is a signatory to a UN resolution which calls for elimination of discrimination against persons suffering from Leprosy
On the basis of the above given facts which of the following alternative/s are true:
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Only 3
(d) All 1,2 3
Answer: (d)
Related facts:

  • On 13th February 2019, Parliament has passed the Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018 Rajya Sabha approving it without discussion.
  • It is remarkable that the Lok Sabha has passed the bill in the last session.
  • The Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018 seeks to remove leprosy as a ground for divorce in five personal laws – (1) Hindu Marriage Act 1955 (2) Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act 1939 (3) Divorce Act 1869 (4) Special Marriage Act 1955 and (5) Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act 1956.
  • The Law Commission in its report had recommended repeal of laws and provisions which were discriminatory against leprosy affected people.
  • Before this landmark decision, people affected by leprosy were equated with those experiencing mental illness under several Marriage Acts and the Indian Divorce Act.
  • India has ratified UN Resolution A/HRC/15/30 which spells out principles and guidelines for the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members.

Links:

https://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/personal-laws-amendment-bill-2018

https://www.leprosymission.org.uk/news-and-resources/news/personal-laws-amendment-bill-transforms-marriage-i/