The Hindu Marriage Registration Act, 2012: Legal Recognition, Challenges, and the Path toward Gender Equality in Bangladesh

The Hindu Marriage Registration Act, 2012, marks a critical step in the legal recognition and protection of Hindu marriages in Bangladesh. Prior to its enactment, Hindu marriages were governed primarily by traditional customs and lacked formal legal documentation, leading to significant challenges, particularly in matters of inheritance, property rights, and gender equality. This article delves into the historical context of Hindu marriage practices, the legal implications of the new legislation, and its social impact, focusing on gender equality, women's rights, and family dynamics. By offering legal recognition to Hindu marriages, the Act provides a platform for resolving disputes, ensuring marital rights, and promoting social stability. However, challenges in the law's implementation, such as limited awareness, administrative hurdles, and cultural resistance, remain. This article also evaluates the role of the Act in advancing gender equality, especially in the context of marital disputes, and offers recommendations to address implementation issues, enhance legal accessibility, and improve the integration of the law into societal norms. In light of its mixed reception, the article proposes pathways for improving the effectiveness of the Act in safeguarding marital rights and promoting gender justice in the Hindu community.