The Madhya Pradesh High Court has clarified that under Hindu law, a marriage is valid only after the Saptapadi ritual—taking seven steps around the sacred fire—is performed. The court stressed that marriage is a sacred institution, not a contract, and certain religious ceremonies are essential for its validity.
The ruling came during the dismissal of a petition filed by four individuals seeking to quash an FIR against them for alleged offences under Sections 366, 498-A, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. The accused were alleged to have abducted the victim, taken her to Jabalpur, and coerced her into signing documents related to her supposed marriage with petitioner No. 1.
The petitioners argued that a valid marriage had taken place through the exchange of garlands (Varmala) and the application of sindoor (vermilion) on the bride’s hair parting. However, Justice Gurpal Singh Ahluwalia noted that there is no provision in Hindu marriage law that recognises a marriage solely on the basis of Varmala or sindoor.
Reiterating the importance of Saptapadi, the court stated:
“Unless and until Saptapadi is performed, there cannot be said to be a valid marriage in Hindu law.”
The victim alleged she was forcibly taken to Jabalpur and pressured to sign certain documents. The court held that these claims amounted to a prima facie cognizable offence and that the investigation should not be stopped prematurely.
Consequently, the court refused to interfere and dismissed the petition, allowing the FIR to stand.
Case Title: Ajay Kumar Jain and Others vs State of Madhya Pradesh and Others
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