Abstract

Family law in India is shaped by a complex mix of religious practices, personal laws, and constitutional principles. Over time, it has seen gradual reforms aimed at aligning with evolving societal norms, gender equity, and human rights. However, contradictions persist across religious groups and between legislative intentions and judicial interpretations. This paper offers a critical examination of family law reforms in India, particularly in areas like marriage, divorce, maintenance, guardianship, and inheritance, while comparing them with global best practices from jurisdictions like the UK, USA, and Canada. It advocates for a unified and secular legal framework that prioritizes constitutional values over traditional patriarchal structures.

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