High Court Nullifies a Decade-old Forced Marriage | 30 Nov 2023

• The Patna High Court has nullified a forced marriage, commonly referred to as "pakadwa vivah,” which occurred a decade ago.
  • The court decided that the marriage was invalid because the crucial "Saptapadi" ritual, involving seven vows around the sacred fire as required by the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, was not performed.
• The 'Pakadwa Vivah,' is a kind of 'Forced marriages’.
  • It is prevalent in Bihar, often involving the kidnapping of young male individuals for the purpose of marriage.
• These marriages are typically solemnized under threats, sometimes at putting the lives of the individuals and their families at risk.

Read More: Hindu Marriage Act