Scheduled Tribe members adhering to Hindu customs are not barred from the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, Chhattisgarh High Court ruled. The court set aside a family court’s rejection of a mutual divorce petition, stating that those who voluntarily follow Hindu rites cannot be excluded. RAIPUR: Members of the scheduled tribe (ST) community who follow Hindu customs and traditions cannot be excluded from the provisions of Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, Chhattisgarh HC has ruled.A division bench comprising Justice Sanjay K Agrawal and Justice Arvind Kumar Verma passed this ruling recently while setting aside a family court order that had rejected a mutual divorce petition involving a tribal husband and his wife who belonged to the Scheduled Caste. The couple had approached a family court in Jagdalpur in Bastar, seeking dissolution of their marriage under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: ‘Indian navy’s guest struck without warning’: Iran slams US after torpedo sinks warship IRIS Dena’Will bitterly regret’: Iran warns US after IRIS Dena, ‘Indian Navy’s guest’, sunk by torpedo’Could be targeted’: Second Iranian warship heads towards Sri Lanka a day after US submarine attackThe couple, married since Apr 15, 2009, had been living separately since Apr 2014.The Jagdalpur family court rejected their application on Aug 12 last year, citing Section 2(2) of the Act, which states the Act does not apply to ST unless the Centre directs otherwise by notification.HC said both parties had explicitly stated that their marriage was solemnised according to Hindu rites, including the ceremony of “saptapadi” and said they testified they followed Hindu traditions rather than tribal customs.”When members of a tribe voluntarily choose to follow Hindu customs, traditions, and rites, they cannot be kept out of the purview of the provisions of the Act of 1955,” the high court observed. HC said Section 2(2) is a “measure of protection” for tribal customary laws and not a “measure of exclusion” for those who have become “Hinduised.” The bench relied on SC rulings, noting if evidence shows tribals following Hindu traditions, they should be governed by Hindu law in matters of succession and marriage.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Condoles Khameini’s Death, Jaishankar Speaks To Iranian FM; ‘Iran War God’s Plan’: US MilitaryNitish Kumar Files RS Nomination, Vows Support to New State GovernmentCV Ananda Bose Resigns As Bengal Governor, TN Guv RN Ravi To Replace Him; Mamata Attacks Amit Shah’Undeniable’: US Deputy Secretary Landau Hails India’s Rise As Key To The 21st CenturyJaishankar Dials Iran FM Araghchi After India Condoles Khamenei’s Death In US-Israeli StrikesIran Conflict Presents ‘Huge Opportunity’ For India To Become Clean Energy Exporter: Amitabh KantIndian YouTuber Nancy Grewal Killed In Canada Stabbing, Questions Rise Over Motive Behind Attack’Conflict In Backyard’: Rahul Gandhi Targets PM Modi On Iran Warship, Govt Denies Responsibility’India Deserves UN Security Council Seat’, Says Finland President Alexander Stubb In Strong Support‘Maha Strategy Repeated’: Opposition Hits Out at BJP After Nitish RS Move123PhotostoriesCould you be low on magnesium? Common warning signs to know, according to doctorsJanhvi Kapoor birthday special: From ‘Homebound’, ‘Mili’ to ‘Gunjan Saxena’, best performances to watch on OTTHow to make Kolhapuri Egg Curry for lunch at home5 common mistakes to avoid while making restaurant-style Naan at homeMark Zuckerberg buys $170 million mansion in Miami: A look into a tech billionaire’s ultra-luxury abodeIce Apple: One of India’s summer favourite fruits and 5 must-try refreshing ‘tadgola’ recipes for scorching heatFoods richer in potassium than bananas: Doctor reveals 6 heart-healthy options that can help support blood pressure naturallyBigg Boss Malayalam contestants who split with their partners after the show7 ways to extend your car’s engine life12 traditional Bengali vegetarian dishes that are as good as a non-veg feast123Hot PicksChina Military BudgetIran Mobile Missile LauncersMiddle East CrisisNitish KumarIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingAP SSC Hall TicketsNFL RumorsFortnite v39 51 Update Release timeT20 World CupBengaluru Cab Driver TheftNancy GrewalMiddle East CrisisTelangana High CourtUS SubmarineTrump assassination plot
RAIPUR: Members of the scheduled tribe (ST) community who follow Hindu customs and traditions cannot be excluded from the provisions of Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, Chhattisgarh HC has ruled.A division bench comprising Justice Sanjay K Agrawal and Justice Arvind Kumar Verma passed this ruling recently while setting aside a family court order that had rejected a mutual divorce petition involving a tribal husband and his wife who belonged to the Scheduled Caste. The couple had approached a family court in Jagdalpur in Bastar, seeking dissolution of their marriage under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act. The couple, married since Apr 15, 2009, had been living separately since Apr 2014.The Jagdalpur family court rejected their application on Aug 12 last year, citing Section 2(2) of the Act, which states the Act does not apply to ST unless the Centre directs otherwise by notification.HC said both parties had explicitly stated that their marriage was solemnised according to Hindu rites, including the ceremony of “saptapadi” and said they testified they followed Hindu traditions rather than tribal customs.“When members of a tribe voluntarily choose to follow Hindu customs, traditions, and rites, they cannot be kept out of the purview of the provisions of the Act of 1955,” the high court observed. HC said Section 2(2) is a “measure of protection” for tribal customary laws and not a “measure of exclusion” for those who have become “Hinduised.” The bench relied on SC rulings, noting if evidence shows tribals following Hindu traditions, they should be governed by Hindu law in matters of succession and marriage.
