Gujarat HC Scolds State; Interfaith Couple Registers Marriage After Protests
An interfaith couple, comprising a Hindu woman and a Muslim man, successfully registered their marriage in Ahmedabad under the Special Marriage Act following stern intervention by the Gujarat High Court. The registration had been stalled a day earlier when right-wing groups, including members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, protested at the registrar's office, forcing officials to postpone the procedure citing security concerns. In response, the High Court bench criticized the state authorities for their inability to protect two consenting adults, accusing them of holding the court to ransom. Justice NSS Gowda questioned the necessity of police protection for a civil marriage, emphasizing that the couple was acting within their constitutional rights. After the Public Prosecutor assured the court that strict instructions were issued to senior police officers, the couple completed the registration under police escort. This event concludes a legal battle that began in March with a habeas corpus petition, where the court had already validated the woman's free will and ordered the marriage registration, rejecting parental objections and societal pressure.
Wire timeline
Gujarat HC Scolds State; Interfaith Couple Registers Marriage After Protests
An interfaith couple, comprising a Hindu woman and a Muslim man, successfully registered their marriage in Ahmedabad under the Special Marriage Act following stern intervention by the Gujarat High Court. The registration had been stalled a day earlier when right-wing groups, including members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, protested at the registrar's office, forcing officials to postpone the procedure citing security concerns. In response, the High Court bench criticized the state authorities for their inability to protect two consenting adults, accusing them of holding the court to ransom. Justice NSS Gowda questioned the necessity of police protection for a civil marriage, emphasizing that the couple was acting within their constitutional rights. After the Public Prosecutor assured the court that strict instructions were issued to senior police officers, the couple completed the registration under police escort. This event concludes a legal battle that began in March with a habeas corpus petition, where the court had already validated the woman's free will and ordered the marriage registration, rejecting parental objections and societal pressure.
The Indian Express