In a landmark observation, the Supreme Court of India has reaffirmed that state governments cannot interfere in interfaith marriages between consenting adults. The apex court emphasized that such personal choices fall under the ambit of individual liberty guaranteed by the Constitution and should not be encroached upon by the state machinery.
A bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna made the statement while hearing a plea related to protection for an interfaith couple. The court asserted that the law is clear: adults have the right to marry whomever they choose, irrespective of religion or caste, and no state or community can oppose or hinder that right.
The court also directed that police must provide protection in cases where couples face threats due to interfaith unions, warning against misuse of power or communal considerations by authorities or vigilante groups.
This judgement is expected to have a significant impact in curbing rising instances of harassment faced by interfaith couples, especially in states where so-called “love jihad” laws have led to increased scrutiny of such relationships.
