The highest judicial authority of the land has recently spoken on the sanctity of Hindu marriages, shedding light on the indispensable rites and ceremonies that render such unions legally valid. In a ruling resonating with the essence of tradition and custom, the Supreme Court outlined that the absence of essential rituals, such as the solemn saptapadi, nullifies the legitimacy of a Hindu marriage.
The esteemed bench, comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Augustine George Masih, unequivocally stated that adherence to prescribed customs is paramount. They emphasized that merely obtaining a registration certificate does not confer legality if the marriage lacks conformity to the stipulated ceremonies under Section 7 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
The Court emphasized that while registration facilitates documentation, it does not bestow legitimacy upon a marriage devoid of the requisite ceremonies. Registrations under Section 8 are a means of attestation, not an endorsement of the marriage’s validity.
Furthermore, the Court condemned the trend of convenience marriages, cautioning against the trivialization of this sacred institution. It underscored the profound significance of marriage as a sacrament, emphasizing its role in fostering familial bonds and societal cohesion.
The case in question, Dolly Rani v. Manish Kumar Chanchal, brought to the fore the need for meticulous observance of marital customs. The Court’s ruling reverberates a call for reverence towards the institution of marriage, reminding individuals of its spiritual and societal significance.
As advocates continue to navigate the legal landscape, the Court’s pronouncement serves as a poignant reminder of the solemnity inherent in Hindu matrimonial traditions. It is a reaffirmation of the enduring values that underpin the fabric of Indian society.
