“Rights of Hindu Women in Bangladesh and India: A Comparative Analysis”

Abstract

This research explores the rights of Hindu women in Bangladesh and India, focusing on their legal, social, and cultural dimensions through a comparative lens. It examines the historical and contemporary legal frameworks governing inheritance, marriage, property ownership, and other personal laws that significantly impact Hindu women's lives in both countries. The study highlights the influence of religious and customary practices on the codification and application of laws, underscoring the disparities between constitutional guarantees of equality and the lived realities of Hindu women. By comparing the legal systems of Bangladesh and India, the research identifies similarities, such as shared reliance on Hindu personal laws, and differences, such as variations in judicial interpretations and policy reforms. The study also addresses challenges faced by Hindu women, including patriarchal interpretations of laws and the tension between religious autonomy and gender equality. The findings aim to provide a critical understanding of the effectiveness of existing legal provisions in ensuring rights for Hindu women and suggest potential pathways for reform. This research contributes to the broader discourse on gender justice and the reconciliation of religious laws with constitutional commitments to equality and human rights.