Self-respect marriages are marriages that do not require a public declaration or solemnization. These marriages are based on the idea of individual autonomy in choosing life partners and do not require the approval or involvement of family members or society. The Supreme Court of India has recognized the validity of self-respect marriages and has overruled a 2014 Madras High Court decision that held that these marriages cannot be solemnized in secrecy. The Supreme Court held that advocates can solemnize self-respect marriages in their personal capacity as friends or relatives of the couple. The ruling emphasizes the importance of individual autonomy in choosing life partners and recognizes that not all marriages require a public declaration or solemnization.
The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 was amended in 1967 by the Hindu Marriage (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act, which added Section 7-A for Tamil Nadu. This section allows for "self-respect marriages" that do not require the presence of priests. On Monday, the Supreme Court ruled that advocates can solemnize these marriages in their personal capacity as friends or relatives of the couple.
Key points:
The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 is a law that applies to the whole of India except for Jammu and Kashmir
The act allows for the solemnization of marriages between any two Hindus, provided certain conditions are met
The Hindu Marriage (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act of 1967 added Section 7-A for Tamil Nadu, which allows for "self-respect marriages" that do not require the presence of priests
The Supreme Court ruled that advocates can solemnize these marriages in their personal capacity as friends or relatives of the couple
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