To,

Shri  Hemant Soren

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jharkhand

Sub:  Marriage is a personal choice between two adults and no one should interfere.

Recently, the report of Ms. Malti Marandi marrying  Mr. Praveen Kumar became viral on lot of online channels, like Facebook Youtube as well as Whatsapp. The reason is that in spite of being a tribal Santhal woman she is marrying a person from general category. She has been severely criticised  by many orthodox elements and self-claimed protectors of traditions from Santhal community.

However, I and along with another signatures to this petition, do not share the same views. Reservation for ST/SC has been granted under Article 15 and 16 of the constitution of India to achieve the purpose of equality among different section of society and have adequate representation. Further, the reservation does not come with the clause to marry in same caste/category. Marriage is everyone's personal choice and fundamental right to marry her/his choice. Furthermore, there is a system of ‘nimdah’    ( similar practices of outcasting)  performed in the village of the girl/boy who marry from another caste. We, youngster by mind , oppose such practices and identify us as Indian citizen and nothing more.

The Hon’ble Supreme Court in Shakti Vahini Vs. UOI & Ors. [ WPC  No. 231 of 2010] observed in judgement dated 27th March 2018:

What we have stated herein-above, to explicate, is that the consent of the family or the community or the clan is not necessary once the two adult individuals agree to enter into wedlock. Their consent has to be piously given primacy.

The choice of an individual is an inextricable part of dignity, for dignity cannot be thought of where there is erosion of choice. True it is, the same is bound by the principle of constitutional limitation but in the absence of such limitation, none, we mean, no one shall be permitted to interfere in the fructification of the said choice. If the right to express one's own choice is obstructed, it would be extremely difficult to think of dignity in its sanctified completeness. When two adults marry out of their volition, they choose their path; they consummate their relationship; they feel that it is their goal and they have the right to do so. And it can unequivocally be stated that they have the right and any infringement of the said right is a constitutional violation. 

As far as limited known facts, Ms. Malti marandi, a ST girl, who holds a Phd Degree and teacher by profession. She is an adult and has to be free in choice to marry a person irrespective of his caste.  

Therefore, kindly support our views and as a secular and welfare state let the love prevail over hate and identity.

Yours sincerely,

Jyoti Mardi, Writer & Design Consultant