The issue of inter-religion marriages remains a delicate issue in the Indian society despite the fact that in the wake of globalization and growth acceptance of such marriages has partially increased.

However, there are several legal and social complications involved in it. To discuss this complex issue, ITM University Law School organized a national seminar on ‘Inter Religious Marriages: Legal Issues and Response’ today.

The seminar was inaugurated by Hon’ble Justice D. Murugesan, Chief Justice, Delhi High Court along with Prof. Prem Vrat, Vice chancellor, ITM University and Prof. S. Shanthakumar, Director, ITM Law School.

Justice Murugesan also delivered the inaugural address and shared his views on the pertinent issue and what needs to be done on it.

The discussion in the seminar revolved around the themes of validity of Inter religious marriages in Indian law, reform in family law, inter relationship between religion and law, and the questions of succession and inheritance in such cases.

The philosophy of uniform civil code in India and judicial response to the issue was also discussed by a large number of participants who presented papers on the subject.

Traditionally inter caste and inter religion marriages have always been frowned upon by the society. While today there is partial acceptance of inter religion marriages, several legal and social complications are still involved in it.

Generally inter religion marriage is not possible under the personal laws. It is possible under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.

In some cases, the man and the woman enter into two different forms of marriages – of both religious affiliations. But, at a later stage when there is any matrimonial dispute they realize that no remedy can be provided to them as their marriage is not a valid one.

Most inter religious marriages takes place without the consent of the parents and in such cases the couples do not have any family support.

The object of this seminar is to find out the legal issues involved in inter religious marriages and the possible solutions for it. The aim of ITMU Law School is to generate a debate on the subject and on the need to address the issue and its complications.

The day-long seminar saw a large number of law experts discuss their perspectives on the issue and lay on the table their suggestions.