Hindu women advocate for change to Hindu Marriage Act

HINDU women are advocating for an amendment to the Hindu Marriage Act and its corresponding marriage forms so that wives can state their occupation.

The Hindu Women’s Organisation and their attorney Om Lalla met with Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General Renuka Sagramsingh on March 7, on the eve of International Women’s Day to address their concerns.

Lalla described the meeting as fruitful and said it was one of many on the issue.

He said admitted the omission was “one of the unfortunate relics of colonialism that had not been addressed for a very long time.”

Lalla said Sagramsingh promised the matter would be addressed.

“So here we are in 2025, International Women's Day is upon us, and women are still being discriminated against in that the occupation or education they have is not allowed to be put on their marriage certificate.

“Now, while it may be an omission that could be swept under the carpet, it is unfortunate and unfair that this has gone on for so long.”

Lalla said such issues must be identified and addressed to end discrimination and promote
greater equality.

He credited the minister and the Hindu Women’s Organisation for addressing the issue. The organisation’s president Kamla Tewarie said they championed for change after women approached the group.

“When I got married, I put my certificate in a box or a grip somewhere, and you never really did look back to see that the profession was not there.

“So once it came to us, we decided to look around to see who could help us.”

Tewarie said the organisation wrote to the past and the present attorney general but got no response.

“Then we realised we can't do this by ourselves.”

She said the organisation persuaded Lalla to assist with the legal aspect while they prepared on the ground to get the Hindu community to support the petition.

Tewarie also said the younger generations would benefit the most from the cause.

“It will redound to their benefit because we're not going to try to change our marriage that happened decades ago.

“That's so troublesome, and it's not necessary. But seeing where our young Hindu women are, this will really give them an opportunity to feel confident about themselves and to know that they have rights just like the groom's occupation has been there.

“Why not now all these women?”

Lalla said the petition was not only about Hindu women but the rights of all women.

“It's (about) collaboration and it is only then you create the change that is required. This is an example of it.”

Tewarie admitted with IWD 2025 celebrated on March 8, the action was not timed but meeting with the minister “meant so much to us.”

“She’s trying to push this matter forward and hopefully get it resolved.”

In a statement, the Office of the Attorney General confirmed the meeting, announcing potential amendments to the regulations under the Hindu Marriage Act.

The statement said Attorney General Reginald Armour, SC, referred the consideration of a report on proposed amendments to the Law Reform Commission to examine and make recommendations for policy considerations.

The statement said Armour also directed the Law Reform Commission to examine the “potential for similar policy consideration for reform in other sectors of the national community, with a view to recommendations for greater national recognition of the rights of women and recognition of the value of the core fabric of family life, as the pivotal national societal institution.”

In previous correspondence to the AG, Lalla said the Hindu Marriage Act did not allow Hindu women to state their occupation, although under the Marriage Act and accompanying regulations, both husband and wife are required to state their occupation.

“Regrettably, upon the enactment of the laws relating to Hindu marriages the status of Hindu women was given little respect presumably owing to our colonial past.”

“This omission, which is historic in nature, is highly disrespectful and discriminatory to the Hindu women of Trinidad and Tobago.

“Despite requests in the past to have the forms amended, nothing has been done to date to remedy this.

“It appears, the requests have fallen upon deaf ears. The contribution of Hindu women has been very significant to the growth and development of this country, with women holding positions in every aspect of business, education, medicine, law and even politics.”

Lalla said the organisation, which represents the interest of Hindu women in TT, was concerned about the absence of the profession or qualification of the woman on the Hindu Marriage Certificate.

He also said 15 organisations supported the proposal.

“There is widespread support for the request to have the amendment and it is unlikely that anyone can seriously object to this request to allow Hindu women to enjoy equality of treatment under the law.”

In 2022, attorneys for the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS) wrote to then attorney general Faris Al-Rawi for a change to the act.

“The fact that Hindu women are not asked to state their occupation, unfortunately, symbolises an archaic attitude towards women in the workplace and indeed within the professional landscape,” the letter said.

“This legislative position is somewhat anachronistic given the progression of Hindu women and indeed all women in our society,” it added.

The SDMS's attorneys explained that the letter was based on gender bias and discrimination claims from its female membership.

“You would no doubt appreciate that these sentiments are easy to understand given the contribution of women to the economic progress, enhancement of professions, and development of our society,” the letter said.

They called on Al-Rawi to urgently consider the issue and to bring amendments to the legislation to correct it.

The SDMS was represented by Dinesh Rambally, Kiel Taklalsingh, Stefan Ramkissoon and Rhea Khan.

On March 7, Taklalsingh said, “We are certainly pleased that this matter did not have to go to litigation and my client, the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, is never shy to litigate matters on behalf of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.”