Inter-Religious Marriage & Individual Rights

The Constitution of India, in harmony with the progressive and liberal values, gives every citizen the right to marry the partner of their own choice. Inter faith marriages have been solemnised in India since Independence, which has shown the tolerance and fraternity present in the hearts and minds of the people.

• The Special Marriage Act, 1954 (SMA), governs civil marriage between individuals of different faiths. Recently few states have passed anti-conversion laws to prevent religious conversions through force, inducement, etc.
• These laws, however, have a profound impact on inter-religious marriages in India. They hamper constitutional rights under Articles 14, 19, 21, and ....