Introduction-

The Indian Constitution guarantees its citizens certain fundamental rights, one of which is the right to marry a person of one’s choice. Although not explicitly stated, the right to marry is derived from Article 21, which ensures the right to life and personal liberty. The landmark case of Lata Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh (2006) underscores this right, particularly in the context of inter-caste marriages, and highlights the societal and legal challenges faced by individuals choosing partners outside their caste.

Background-

Lata Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh is a seminal judgment that reinforced the fundamental right to marry, especially for inter-caste couples. The case was presided over by Justices Ashok Bhan and Markandey Katju. Lata Singh, the petitioner, filed a writ petition under Article 32 of the Indian Constitution seeking protection and the quashing of criminal proceedings initiated by her brothers against her and her husband due to their inter-caste marriage.

Issue-

The primary issue in this case was whether the writ petition filed under Article 32 for quashing the criminal proceedings under Sections 366 (kidnapping) and 368 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, was maintainable.

Rule-

The Supreme Court held that the right to marry is an intrinsic part of the right to life under Article 21. It also emphasized that inter-caste marriages are in the national interest as they help dismantle the caste system, which is a social evil dividing the nation.

Facts of the Case-

Lata Singh, a graduate pursuing her master’s degree, decided to marry Brahma Nand Gupta, a man from a different caste, at the Arya Samaj Mandir. This decision was met with violent opposition from her brothers, who filed a missing person report and accused Gupta’s family of kidnapping Lata. Her brothers also subjected her husband’s family to physical assaults and false legal accusations. Despite her repeated affirmations that she married out of her own free will, the harassment continued, leading her to seek legal protection and justice.

Analysis-

Justice Katju’s judgment in this case is noteworthy for its strong condemnation of the caste system and honor-based violence. He asserted that the caste system is a curse and inter-caste marriages should be encouraged to eradicate it. The court observed that societal pressure and threats often deter individuals from marrying outside their caste, and such actions are both illegal and unconstitutional.

Judgment-

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Lata Singh, quashing the criminal proceedings against her and her husband’s family. The court mandated that police protection be provided to them and took a firm stand against honor killings and harassment. The judgment emphasized that any adult has the right to marry anyone they choose and that societal or familial opposition based on caste is unacceptable and punishable by law.

Conclusion-

The Lata Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh case is a landmark in affirming the right to marry as a fundamental right and promoting inter-caste marriages as a means to combat the caste system. It serves as a powerful reminder that personal liberty and individual choices are paramount in a democratic society. The judgment sends a clear message that honor-based violence and societal pressures cannot override constitutional rights.

Keywords for Optimization-

  • Right to Marry
  • Inter-Caste Marriage
  • Fundamental Rights in India
  • Article 21
  • Supreme Court of India
  • Lata Singh v. State of Uttar Pradesh
  • Honor Killings
  • Caste System in India
  • Personal Liberty
  • Landmark Judgments in India