Lata Singh v State of U.P.
Rule established
An inter-caste or inter-religious marriage between two consenting adults is perfectly legal and valid; no one including family members can threaten or harass the couple; any such harassment or threat of violence is illegal and actionable.
Facts
- Lata Singh, a major Hindu woman, married a man from a different caste. Her brothers were hostile and filed criminal complaints against the husband and his family. Lata Singh approached the Supreme Court for protection of her marriage and personal safety.
Issue
- Whether an inter-caste marriage between consenting adults is valid and entitled to legal protection against family and community opposition.
Held
- Once a person is major (18 for women, 21 for men), they are free to marry anyone they please, irrespective of religion or caste. Such marriages are perfectly valid and legal. Family members who threaten, harass, or use violence against the couple are committing criminal offences. The Court directed administration and police to provide protection to such couples. Khap panchayats or community bodies have no authority to punish, harass, or ostracise couples for inter-caste marriages.
Ratio Decidendi
The right to marry a person of one's choice is an aspect of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21. Inter-caste and inter-religious marriages between consenting adults are valid and entitled to full protection of law. Any attempt to obstruct such marriages through threats, violence, or social boycott is illegal.
How to use it in an exam
- Cite for questions on validity of Hindu marriage (S.5 conditions: no caste restriction exists)
- Relevant for "Conditions of valid Hindu marriage": consent of parties suffices, no parental consent required for adults
- Pair with Shafin Jahan v. Asokan KM (2018): Hadiya case on right to choose spouse
- Relevant for void/voidable marriage questions: inter-caste marriage is NOT void
Source
Source: (2006) 5 SCC 475; cross-verify citation before exam use
This is an educational summary, not the judgment itself. Cite the reported version in professional or academic work.