ABSTRACT
This chapter explores how personal law one of the most central and dynamic interfaces between religion and law in India is handled by actors in the district and taluka courts. It explains the history of personal law in India, how it developed and gauges its importance in the socio-cultural context of Indian society. The chapter focuses on understanding how personal law is experienced by lawyers, judges and litigants in the taluka courts through the empirical evidence that has been collected. The recognition of difference appeared crucial in India after independence due to the complex and cross-cutting variations along the lines of religion, language and caste. The experience of the judges and lawyers in the lower courts and of the litigants from small taluka places is extremely varied with regard to the use and application of personal laws. Personal laws are taught as a part of the syllabi comprising legal education.
