The Gujarat High Court held that a registered marriage certificate alone cannot validate a Hindu marriage if essential ceremonies under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 were not performed. The Court said registration only proves an already solemnised marriage and cannot create a valid marital bond.
The Karnataka High Court ruled that maintenance cannot be granted to wives automatically without examining financial circumstances. Justice Chillakur Sumalatha said courts must consider income, independence and responsibilities of both spouses before passing orders, setting aside a direction requiring a husband to pay Rs 20,000 monthly.
