Hindu Marriage Not Proven By Mere Certificate Of Arya Samaj/ Registrar, Must Show Saptapadi Or Other Rites: Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court ruled that a marriage certificate from Arya Samaj Mandir or the Registrar of Hindu Marriages is not sufficient proof of marriage. The court emphasized that the performance of Saptapadi (seven steps around the sacred fire) or other Hindu marriage rites is essential under Section 7 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The case involved a disputed marriage where the appellant claimed fraud and lack of consent. The court held that the respondent failed to provide evidence of the marriage being solemnized according to Hindu customs.