Lata Singh vs State of Uttar Pradesh Case Summary
INTRODUCTION
Lata Singh vs State of Uttar Pradesh is a landmark judgement emphasizing on the autonomy of each individual to choose their own partner. Lata Singh had married outside her caste. It led to severe repercussions and threats from her family members. In this case, The Supreme Court ruled that an individual has the freedom to choose their partner.
FACTS
A young lady named Lata Singh chose to marry a man of a different caste, which led to significant consequences inflicted by her family. Her parents disagreed with her decision and, as a result, began harassing her and her husband with threats and violence. Lata approached the Supreme Court of India and filed a writ petition against her family, whom she alleged had made death threats against her on account of her marriage.
LEGAL ISSUES
Can a Writ Petition filed by the Petitioner under Article 32 also seek for the issuance of a writ of certiorari/mandamus to set aside the order of the Sessions Court as contemplated under sections 366 and 368 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 lodged at Sarojini Nagar Police Station, Lucknow and is now pending before the Fast Track Court of Lucknow?
Query regarding the illegal act of Inter-caste marriages?
Can the right to choose one’s partner be classified as an aspect of the right to life and personal liberty as enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution?
JUDGEMENT
The division bench, comprising Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice Markandey Katju, while criticising the shocking state of affairs in this case, favoured the petitioners and allowed the writ petition. The Supreme Court observed that the social evil of the caste system is dividing the nation when unity is needed. Only inter-caste marriages can help society overcome the malpractice of the caste system and break the stigma attached to it.
ANALYSIS
The caste system has disintegrated many marriages and relationships in many nations, India being one of them. Every adult who is fit for marriage ought to be free to pick his, or her mate. Marriage between people from different caste groups or communities in the country is a myth for most of the people in the country. In India, the institution of marriage is considered both a social institution and a sacrament. Caste marriages are the only way to get rid of the caste system in India, urban or rural areas notwithstanding. These – as was the case in this particular instance – must also risk or indeed suffer violence.
SIGNIFICANCE
The situation of Lata Singh vs the State of Uttar Pradesh is a significant decision that strengthens the rights guaranteed in the Indian Constitution, especially the right to life and personal liberty as enshrined under Article 21. It shows with examples that the courts have to step in to protect individual potent threats and coercive encouragements from society and family and provides a foundation for similar actions expected in the future where the right to choose a partner without interference will not be restricted to marriage.
This case is frequently referred to in the context of inter-caste and interreligious marriages in India, which is seen as a sensible approach in a country where such relationships can still be extremely detrimental. It strengthens the case for safeguarding rights at the individual level and calls for a wider appreciation of the concept of love and marriage in present day Indian society.
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