The Patna High Court has declared forced marriages as invalid. It stated that a marriage cannot be considered valid if it is done forcefully. Applying vermillion (sindoor) on a woman’s forehead at gunpoint does not qualify as a marriage under Hindu law. A marriage will only be considered valid if both the bride and groom take the sacred vows around the holy fire or if there is mutual consent between them. The High Court judges, Justice Arun Kumar Jha and Justice PB Bajanthri, heard a case of forced marriage that occurred ten years ago. After listening to the arguments and examining the evidence and witnesses, the court declared the forced marriage as invalid.
The marriage of Ravikant, a resident of Nawada, was forced on him on June 30, 2013. He was taken to a temple with his uncle, where he was abducted. Subsequently, at gunpoint, the girl’s forehead was filled with vermillion. Ravikant filed a case in the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court in Lakhisarai. He also approached the Family Court to cancel the marriage. However, on January 27, 2020, his plea was dismissed by the court. Undeterred, Ravikant approached the Patna High Court to seek justice.
The High Court heard the arguments from both sides and concluded that the bride failed to prove that the groom and bride took seven rounds together. The court also acknowledged that the judgment of the Family Court in 2020 was flawed. During the deposition, the priest was unable to provide information about the location where the marriage ceremony took place. The alleged marriage was deemed invalid under the marriage laws.
In summary, the Patna High Court has ruled that forced marriages are not valid, and applying sindoor at gunpoint does not constitute a legal marriage. The court emphasized the importance of the sacred vows and mutual consent for a marriage to be considered valid. The case of Ravikant, whose marriage was forced upon him, was brought to the court for justice. The court concluded that the alleged marriage was invalid due to insufficient evidence and flawed judgment from the Family Court.
