In a recent landmark ruling of “Dolly Rani v. Manish Kumar Chanchal”, the sanctity and legal requirements of Hindu marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 were clarified. The Supreme Court emphasized that for a Hindu marriage to be valid, it must be performed with the appropriate rites and ceremonies, such as saptapadi (seven steps around the sacred fire keeping in mind the customs followed by the parties.
Registration, though facilitating a possible proof of marriage, does not confer legitimacy if the marriage wasn’t solemnized according to the relevant rites and ceremonies. The Court highlighted the significance of marriage as a sacred institution and urged young couples to consider its sanctity before entering to it.
The Apex court noted that the Marriage is not a commercial transaction but a solemn event that establishes a relationship based on mutual respect and partnership. Further, the Court deprecated the practice of couples seeking to acquire the status of husband and wife without a valid marriage ceremony. Awareness of women’s rights in India, particularly in marital matters, is crucial, and this ruling further underscores the importance of laws protecting women within the institution of marriage.
