A Socio-Legal Study On Matrimonial Practices In Arunachal Pradesh: Wancho Tribe Longding District Of Arunachal Pradesh

Abstract

There are certainly a multitude of indigenous tribes around the globe, and each of them has its distinctive moral fibre. For several generations, these ethnic groups have been governed by a unique set of customary laws, and ancient practises. The northeastern part of India, comprised of seven states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Sikkim), is known for its diverse indigenous tribes and their distinctive cultural heritage. These tribes and groups have a particular justice system guided by their customary rules. The present study aims to evaluate the actions taken to address the issues associated with the Wancho tribe's marriage customs in Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, the researcher accomplished the study process and could acquire sufficient information through personal interviews. The study begins with an extensive review of several state statutes and regulations relevant to Arunachal Pradesh marriage customs and the village council's jurisdiction. The Google Questionnaire Form is another tool used for obtaining data which enables users to generate data for a particular Longding district based on their expertise and views. For more clarification on the area, the researcher also attempted to conduct a field study to aid in this study in the Longding area of Arunachal Pradesh. According to the data assembled by the researcher, polygyny the practise of being married to multiple wives is widely recognised and applied by the chiefs of the Wancho tribe in the state. This has led to societal complications such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and psychological harm to wives and children. The state government's initiatives, the Arunachal Pradesh Recording of Marriage Act of 2008 and the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Court Act of 2021, were not effectively implemented on the ground level. The Arunachal Pradesh Marriage and Inheritance of Property Bill, 2021, aimed to eliminate prevalent polygamy in the state while restoring women's property rights. Unfortunately, the state government could not execute it due to criticism of several political personalities and student union organizations.