HNLU Centre for Law and Indigenous Studies launches book on tribal customary laws of Chhattisgarh

The Centre for Law and Indigenous Studies (CLIS) at Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), launched a book titled “Tribes of Chhattisgarh: Law and Lives”, a book exploring the customs, traditions, and socio-legal practices of tribal communities in Chhattisgarh.

The launch ceremony was graced by Chairperson, Assam Human Rights Commission and Distinguished Jurist Professor, HNLU, Justice Arup Kumar Goswami along with, Vice-Chancellor, HNLU, Prof (Dr) VC Vivekanandan, Registrar, faculty members, and students.

Commending the initiative, Justice Goswami remarked that the study represents “a meaningful contribution to the national dialogue on legal pluralism and indigenous rights, highlighting the need to balance constitutional safeguards with respect for tribal identity.”

In his address, Prof (Dr) Vivekanandan described the book as “an important step in HNLU’s vision of documenting and preserving tribal customary laws, which are vital not only for academic discourse but also for protecting the cultural identity and legal heritage of indigenous peoples.”

Faculty of HNLU and author of the book, Dr Ayan Hazra briefed the audience on the concept and narrative for bringing in the publication. The book was co-authored by HNLU student, Anas Khan.

Dr Hazra stated that CLIS will be releasing further publications.

The hallmark of this project lies in the extensive contribution of HNLU’s Scheduled Tribe students from diverse communities of Chhattisgarh. Through fieldwork, data collection, and their lived experiences, the students provided the narrative, making the work both an academic study and a genuine reflection of community voices.

The book provides an in-depth examination of tribal customary laws governing marriage, inheritance, property, land use, and dispute resolution. It further analyses the evolving relationship between these indigenous systems and constitutional principles, especially in areas such as gender rights, land alienation, and justice delivery.

The volume is a resource for academics, policymakers, and social activists working in the field of indigenous rights and legal pluralism.

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