The Allahabad High Court affirmed that interfaith couples can marry under the Special Marriage Act without needing to convert. The court also declared marriages solely based on personal agreements as legally invalid. This decision protects a couple facing threats and reinforces India’s secular and inclusive legal system. The case is scheduled for further hearing on July 10.
The ‘love jihad’ law, enacted in BJP-governed states, aims to curb religious conversions under false pretenses. It mandates notification of conversion intent and has led to arrests and hurdles for interfaith couples. Judiciary rulings have upheld individual rights, but a conservative shift raises concerns. Societal pressures persist for interfaith couples despite legal battles.
