No Second Marriage Registration for Muslim Man Without Notice to First Wife: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court held that a Muslim man’s second marriage cannot be registered under The Kerala Registration of Marriages (Common) Rules 2008, without notifying and hearing his first wife.

Justice PV Kunhikrishnan ruled that while Muslim personal law allows multiple marriages, constitutional principles of equality and fairness must prevail.

The Court said if the first wife objects, the registrar must stop proceedings and refer the matter to a civil court to determine the marriage’s validity.

The Court added that gender equality and natural justice require allowing the first wife to be heard before registration.