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Lily Thomas v. Union of India: Bigamy and Its Legal Implications

Introduction

The landmark case of Lily Thomas v. Union of India (2000) addressed the contentious issue of bigamy and the exploitation of religious conversion to bypass marriage laws. In a historic judgment, the Supreme Court declared that a Hindu man cannot convert to Islam merely to remarry without legally dissolving his first marriage. This verdict reaffirmed the principles of monogamy, gender equality, and legal accountability.

Case Background

Under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, Hindu marriages are governed by strict monogamous principles. Despite this, some individuals sought to exploit the provisions of Islamic personal law—where polygamy is permitted—by converting to Islam as a way to remarry. This practice often left the first wife in a vulnerable position, both socially and legally.

Lily Thomas, a senior advocate, filed a petition challenging this misuse of religious conversion, highlighting that it violated the rights of the first wife and promoted fraudulent practices. This petition was considered alongside Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India, a related case that addressed similar issues.

Judgment and Key Takeaways

The Supreme Court held that conversion to Islam does not nullify a Hindu man’s first marriage, and a subsequent marriage without legally divorcing the first wife amounts to bigamy under Section 494 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The Court further emphasized that genuine religious conversion should stem from faith, not be used as a mechanism to evade legal and social obligations.

Impact and Significance

This judgment reinforced the sanctity of marriage and safeguarded the rights of women under Hindu personal laws. It sent a clear message that religious conversion cannot serve as a loophole to sidestep legal responsibilities. By addressing this legal ambiguity, the verdict became a cornerstone in ensuring gender justice, protecting women's rights, and curbing fraudulent conversions.

Conclusion

The case of Lily Thomas v. Union of India is a landmark moment in Indian jurisprudence, safeguarding the integrity of marriage laws and protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals. It underscores the importance of equal justice and accountability, ensuring that no one can misuse religious identity to escape their legal and moral duties.


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