Agartala, 27th July 2026 : The Tripura Tribal Customary Law Coordination Committee has submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha, demanding speedy codification of the customary laws of the state’s 19 Scheduled Tribes.
The committee, comprising traditional heads and community leaders from various tribal groups, alleged that although the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) had unanimously passed several related bills in 2022, they are yet to receive final approval and become laws.
The committee stated that the delay in the codification process has created concerns among tribal communities regarding the protection of their traditional practices, customs, social institutions, cultural heritage, and indigenous identity.
In the memorandum, the committee highlighted that each of Tripura’s 19 recognised Scheduled Tribes has its own unique culture, language, customs, and traditional social systems. It said many communities have historically relied on customary laws for resolving internal disputes, reducing dependence on government courts and police.
Referring to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, the committee said the TTAADC was established to protect the social, economic, and cultural interests of tribal communities and preserve their traditional governance systems.
The committee pointed out that except for the Jamatia customary law, no other tribal customary law has yet been formally enacted as law or rules. It stated that on December 28, 2022, the TTAADC had unanimously passed customary law bills related to several tribal communities, including Tripuri, Reang, Chakma, Garo, Uchoi, Noatia, Mursing, Kaipeng, Rupini, Hrangkhawl, Mog, Mizo and Chorai.
The bills were later sent to the state government’s Tribal Welfare Department, but the approval process remains incomplete. Some bills were reportedly returned to the TTAADC for necessary amendments.
The committee has urged the Chief Minister to take necessary steps for the early codification of the pending customary law bills, expressing hope that legal recognition would help tribal communities preserve and follow their traditional customs and practices.
