UPSC Prelims 1995 · General Studies
Question 47: Polity and Governance
In which one of the following States of India is it legal for a Hindu male and illegal for a Muslim male to have more than one living wife?
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Goa still follows the Portuguese Civil Code, which does not allow bigamy to Muslims. Its Code of Usages and Customs of Gentile Hindus, however, lets a Hindu male marry again in limited situations such as childlessness. Elsewhere, the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 bars a Hindu from marrying again while the first spouse lives, while Muslim personal law permits up to four wives. Remember: Goa is the one place where the position is reversed.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Nagaland: customary law is protected by Article 371A, but it does not draw this Hindu-Muslim distinction.
- (b) Mizoram: customary law is protected by Article 371G, but it does not draw this Hindu-Muslim distinction.
- (c) Right: Goa's Portuguese-era law allows the Hindu exception and bars a Muslim from bigamy.
- (d) In Arunachal Pradesh the general laws apply: a second marriage is illegal for a Hindu, while a Muslim can follow personal law.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1995, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.