Supreme Court's stance on validity of Hindu marriage sans '7 Phere'

The Supreme Court recently made a significant ruling regarding Hindu marriages, stating that certain ceremonies, such as 'saptapadi' (seven phere), are essential for the marriage to be considered valid under the Hindu Marriage Act. In 'saptapadi', the couple takes seven steps around a sacred fire, symbolising their commitment to each other.

This ruling came during a case where a woman sought to transfer her divorce petition from Bihar to Jharkhand. Both she and her ex-partner were qualified pilots and decided to resolve their dispute by jointly submitting an application. The court's decision clarified the legal status of Hindu marriages, emphasising the importance of traditional ceremonies like 'saptapadi'.

The court emphasised that marriage is not merely a celebration or a transaction but a sacred institution with profound cultural significance. It criticised the trend of extravagant celebrations, dowry demands, and legal complications in marriages. This highlights the need for upholding the validity of Hindu marriages through adherence to traditional rituals.

According to the court, if a Hindu marriage does not adhere to the prescribed Hindu rituals, particularly 'saptapadi', it cannot be recognised as valid. The ritual signifies the union of the couple and their mutual promises.

Furthermore, the court expressed concern about young couples claiming to be married without undergoing proper ceremonies. It reiterated the importance of respecting and following traditional marriage customs.

The ruling highlights the essential role of preserving age-old religious traditions in Hindu marriages and emphasises their deep-rooted significance within Indian societal values.