Parliament Question: Property rights for tribal women

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3815 TO BE ANSWERED ON- 25/03/2026 PROPERTY RIGHTS FOR TRIBAL WOMEN 3815 SHRI TIRUCHI SIVA: Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) Whether Government has taken cognizance of the Supreme Court ruling stating that the Hindu Succession Act does not apply to tribal communities; (b) If so, steps being taken to ensure that tribal women have equal access to property; (c) Whether Government plans on introducing a Bill that focuses on inheritance rights for tribal communities, especially women; and (d) If so, details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DURGADAS UIKEY) (a) to (d): The subject matter of the question pertains to the Ministry of Law & Justice. The Ministry of Law & Justice has informed that: “The Hon'ble Supreme Court, while dismissing the Civil Appeal No. 6901 of 2022 (Kamla Neti (Dead) through LRs Vs. The Special Land Acquisition Officer & Ors.), reported in (2023) 3 SCC 528 had observed as follows: - "18. Therefore, though we dismiss the present appeal, it is directed to examine the question by the Central Government to consider it just and necessary to withdraw the exemptions provided under the Hindu Succession Act insofar as the applicability of the provisions of the Hindu Succession Act to the Scheduled Tribes is concerned and whether to bring a suitable amendment or not. We hope and trust that the Central Government will look into the matter and take an appropriate decision taking into consideration the right to equality guaranteed under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India." In the light of the directions made by the Hon'ble Court, the judgement was referred to the Law Commission of India with request to examine it along with the proposal relating to the uniform civil code." *****