MARRIAGE WILL NOT BE VALID BETWEEN A HINDU MALE AND MUSLIM WOMAN IN ABSENCE OF CONVERSION OF A WOMAN TO HINDU RELIGION - PUNJAB AND HARYANA HC 

15th March 2021

The Punjab and Haryana HC observed that marriage would not be valid between a Hindu male and a Muslim Woman in the absence of a woman's conversation to  Hindu Religion before solemnization marriage as per the Hindu rites.

HC heard a plea for a grant of protection to an interfaith couple. Petitioner 1, 18 yr Muslim girl and Petitioner 2, 25 yrs a Hindu Boy performed marriage on 15th of January as per Hindu Rituals against the wishes Respondents. Now, petitioners are petitioners apprehending threat to their life and liberty.

Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi referred to the Supreme Court Judgment in the case of Nandakumar and other V State of Kerala and disposed of the petition, directing the SP of Ambala city to look into this grievance of the petitioners and take appropriate measures to protect the couple. The Court further held that  Petitioner No.1 and petitioner No.2 married in accordance with Hindu rites and ceremonies, which will, prima facie, be not valid as admittedly petitioner No.1 did not convert Hindu religion before the solemnization of marriage in accordance with Hindu rites and ceremonies. The couple being major is entitled to live with a person and at a place of her choice. Both the petitioners will be entitled to live-in-relationship in the nature of marriage and the protection of their life and liberty.

Author - Papiha Ghoshal

PC - dnaIndia