The Supreme Court has ruled that a Hindu marriage cannot be recognized as valid unless it includes a valid ceremony, such as the ‘saptapadi’ ritual. This ruling underscores the significance of a marriage ceremony in Hindu culture and its recognition as a sacred institution within Indian society. The court emphasized that a marriage is not just a social event or a commercial transaction but a foundational event that establishes a relationship between a man and a woman who become husband and wife. The court further highlighted the provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act, stating that a marriage is considered solemnized only if it is performed with appropriate ceremonies and in due form, including the ‘saptapadi’ ritual. In the absence of such a valid ceremony, a Hindu marriage will not be recognized as valid under the law. The court also deprecated the practice of young men and women seeking to be recognized as husband and wife without undergoing a valid marriage ceremony. This ruling reinforces the importance of adhering to the legal requirements for a valid Hindu marriage and emphasizes the sanctity of marriage within Indian society.
Hindu Marriage Invalid Without Valid Ceremony, Rules Supreme Court
