Supreme Court Grants Bail to Man Jailed Over Inter-Faith Marriage, Cites Family Approval

The Supreme Court of India has granted bail to Aman Siddiqui, who was arrested under the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act, 2018, following his inter-faith marriage.  The Court emphasized that the marriage was consensual and had the approval of both families, making the state’s objections to his bail untenable.  The Court noted that external pressures from individuals and organizations post-marriage cannot override the families’ consent.  Consequently, the Court set aside the Uttarakhand High Court’s refusal of bail and granted Siddiqui relief. 

Key Highlights:

Marriage with Family Approval: The Court highlighted that the marriage between Siddiqui and his wife was consensual and had the approval of both families, which is a fundamental aspect in such cases.

State’s Objection Overruled: The Court observed that the state’s objections to the bail were not sustainable, as the marriage was conducted with familial consent and without any unlawful inducement.

Legal Precedent: This ruling reinforces the legal recognition of adult individuals’ autonomy in choosing their life partners, irrespective of religious differences, provided there is mutual consent and familial approval.


This decision aligns with previous judgments, such as the Allahabad High Court’s ruling affirming an adult woman’s right to choose her life partner, emphasizing the importance of individual autonomy and familial consent in marital decisions. 

The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding personal freedoms and protecting individuals from undue interference in consensual adult relationships.