Question
If a Hindu man registers his marriage with his wife, can he marry elsewhere? Does the Hindu wife have no right to her husband’s property? What is the way to stand against this domination of Hindu wives? Hindu girls have no place to call home, neither in their father’s house nor in their in-laws’ house. They don’t seem to have human rights!
Answer
- Can a Hindu Man Marry Elsewhere After Registering His Marriage?
- Under Hindu law in Bangladesh, a man can only marry once. A Hindu man who has registered his marriage cannot legally marry again unless the first marriage is dissolved through divorce or the wife passes away. Bigamy is illegal in Bangladesh under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and a second marriage without proper legal dissolution of the first would be considered unlawful.
- Hindu Wife’s Rights to Property
- Right to Property: A Hindu wife does have rights to her husband’s property. After his death, she is entitled to a share of his property under the Hindu Succession Act, 1956, which grants the widow a share as a Class I heir, along with the children.
- During the Husband’s Life: In case of joint family property, the wife may not have full ownership rights, but she can claim her maintenance rights from her husband during the marriage. This right also extends to the property she has helped maintain or contribute to.
- Standing Against Domination of Hindu Wives
- Legal Protection: Hindu women have legal protections under the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010, which ensures protection against abuse and provides for maintenance rights.
- Property and Inheritance Rights: If a Hindu wife is not being granted her rightful share of the property, she can approach the court for her rights.
- Social Empowerment: Efforts to empower women legally and socially are crucial. Advocacy for women’s rights, including inheritance and property rights, can be supported through public awareness and legal reforms.
- Human Rights for Hindu Women
- It’s important to note that Hindu women, like all citizens, have human rights protected under Bangladesh’s Constitution and international agreements like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Legal support and advocacy are essential for ensuring that Hindu women receive fair treatment, especially regarding their rights to inheritance, property, and safety within marriage.