Delhi High Court: Absence of Saptapadi Ritual Does Not Invalidate Marriage

The Delhi High Court held that the validity of a marriage is not undermined merely because there exists no direct proof of the 'Saptapadi' ritual having taken place between the parties.

While dealing with an appeal filed by a husband seeking an order declaring his marriage null and void on the account of the Saptapadi ritual not having taken place.

The Court noted that the couple had lived together, cohabited as husband and wife, and had a child, only separating after realising the ritual was not performed.

However, it was ruled that the performance of Saptapadi is not an indispensable requirement to establish a valid marriage.