Delhi HC Rules Marriage Under Personal Law Not Shield from Criminal Charges

The Delhi High Court delivered a landmark judgment stating that entering into marriage under any personal law does not exempt individuals from facing criminal liability. The bench emphasized that personal laws governing marriage cannot override the provisions of the Indian Penal Code or other criminal statutes. Consequently, parties to a marriage remain fully accountable under criminal law for any alleged offences. The ruling underscores the judiciary's stance that personal law rights are subject to the overarching framework of criminal justice. Legal experts note that the decision reaffirms the principle of equality before law irrespective of religious or personal law considerations.