Calcutta HC Orders Protection for Inter-faith Marriage, Upholds Right to Choose Partner
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Calcutta High Court directed West Bengal police to provide security for an inter-faith marriage in Howrah, asserting that adults have the right to choose their life partners. This order reinforces constitutional protections for personal choice and inter-faith marriages, which often face societal opposition.
Background
Inter-faith marriages in India sometimes encounter resistance from families or communities, leading to threats or violence. Courts have consistently upheld the right to marry as part of personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Special Marriage Act, 1954 provides a legal framework for such marriages.
Key facts
Calcutta HC directed police to provide adequate security for an inter-faith marriage in Howrah on Wednesday.
Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya observed that adult citizens have the right to choose their life partners.
The petitioners, a woman and a man of different faiths, sought police protection due to opposition from locals.
The court ordered the inspector in-charge of Uluberia police station to file a compliance report within seven days after the marriage.
The matter was posted for further hearing on August 10, 2026.
Howrah SP Amit Verma confirmed that steps were being taken in compliance with the court order.
Senior advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya represented the petitioners, citing fear of prevention due to local furore.
Additional Advocate General Rajdeep Mazumder presented a communication from the police station about steps to maintain peace.
Prelims pointers
- Calcutta High Court
- Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya
- Article 21 of the Constitution
- Special Marriage Act, 1954
- Howrah district, West Bengal
- Uluberia police station
Mains angles
- GS2 Polity: Judicial interpretation of fundamental rights – right to marry as part of Article 21.
- GS1 Social Issues: Inter-faith marriages and societal opposition – role of state in protecting individual choices.
- GS2 Polity: Role of police in enforcing court orders and maintaining law and order in sensitive cases.