New Delhi — The Supreme Court of India has declined to directly entertain a petition seeking a separate code of personal laws for the Buddhist community, instead referring the matter to the Law Commission of India (LCI) for expert consideration.

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Buddhist Personal Law Action Committee. The petitioners argued that subjecting Buddhists to Hindu personal laws undermines their distinct religious identity and fundamental rights.

The Core Grievance

Under the current legal framework, specifically Article 25 of the Constitution, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs are legally classified under the broad definition of "Hindu" for the application of personal laws. Consequently, matters regarding marriage, succession, guardianship, and adoption for Buddhists are governed by statutes such as the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and the Hindu Succession Act, 1956.

The petitioners contended that this classification dilutes their unique cultural heritage and demanded a separate legal framework similar to those existing for Muslim and Christian communities.

"Parliament's Domain, Not Courts"