Delhi HC orders states not to ban inter-faith marriages
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New Delhi: In response to a request by two interfaith foreign nationals seeking to have their marriage registered under Indian law, the Delhi High Court stated on Wednesday that there is no mechanism for the state to forbid an interfaith couple from getting married.
The pair requested that their marriage be solemnised and registered under the Special Marriage Act of 1954 because they wanted to keep their religious beliefs. Justice Yashwant Varma was now hearing their request.
The woman is a Canadian citizen and Hindu by religion while the man is an American citizen and Christian.
As advocate Rishabh Kapur, representing the couple, submitted that only under the Special Marriage Act can a foreign inter-faith couple seek solemnisation and registration of their marriage to retain their faith, and expressed his apprehension that other domestic laws prohibit their marriage, Justice Varma orally remarked: "There is no way that the State can prohibit an interfaith couple from marrying."
Directing the parties to give their further responses, including the state in the matter, the court posted the further hearing for December 15.
(With inputs from IANS)