Women’s Rights at Hindu Personal Law: A Comparative Study Between Bangladesh and India

Abstract

Inequality for women in Bangladesh is more of a social issue than a legal one. Inequalities in the application of the law, with the exception of private concerns, are hardly ever observed. Religious rules or conventions, however, govern personal concerns. Since Hindu Law is the most ancient Law in the world, it deviates, changes or modifies immensely. Different schools are explained it in a different way except with basic instruments. It modifies through the commentaries and customs. Although these norms or traditions are classified separately under the heading of “Personal Law” in Bangladesh's legal system but they are not in entire format drawn from (portrayed) religious laws or customs. Laws and Ordinances altered their mode of application. These, however, have not been sufficient to create equality between men and women. Gender norms and regulations hinder compliance with present laws. For easy understanding of the common people, the concerned authority should codify new rules and regulations with proper reference from Shastra Law and keep in mind with International Obligations as well. This paper examines some notable legal constraints on the way to ensure the fruitful implementation of Women’s Rights and put forwards some observations on assuring justice for all the Hindu Women in Bangladesh.