Religion and marriage

Our nation is not run on the beliefs of any religion. There are countries like that which are run according to a specific religion’s beliefs and laws. Those countries will not allow the customs and beliefs of other religions to be practiced there. However, no one must think that as there are no other religions in such theocracies, those countries are enjoying peace and happiness.

History has taught us that the opposite is happening in such places. Sects and offshoots of the same religion have engaged in bloody conflicts and wars throughout history and it continues till today.

No representative of any ruling class, which have ruled India, has ever told that this country belongs to one religion and that the believers of other religions must leave. There was always freedom to live and prosper in our country believing and following one’s own choice of religion without harming others. This freedom existed before and after independence.

The constitution says that India is a secular country. In short, every citizen is equal before the law. There is no consideration for anyone just because he was born into a particular religion.

As the essence of every religion is the same and the matter that makes up the human body is the same, it can be said that all of mankind is one caste. Sree Narayana Guru has proclaimed this truth many times.

However, conflicts and quarrels have taken place here among religions. Usually, these conflicts are the result of the power hunger of those people, with vested interests, behind these religions.

Marriage is between two individuals. And not between two religions. Mental compatibility is what is needed for a marriage to succeed and not religious compatibility. This is what the Kerala High Court has shown us through an order, yesterday. The court ordered that during marriage registration it must be only checked if the guidelines are followed and religion need not be considered in it.

Justice PV Kunhikrishnan reminded us that every citizen has the right to follow any religion in this country and we follow in the footsteps of social reformers such as Sree Narayana Guru and Ayyankali.

The court rectified the action of officials at the Kochi Corporation, who refused to register a marriage because the mother of the bride is a Muslim. The court has ordered not to repeat such incidents. If there is a need, then the government must make sure that changes to general guidelines are made.