In a landmark ruling, the Rajasthan High Court has allowed two life convicts in murder cases to marry within the Mandore Open Jail premises.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rajasthan High Court grants permission for two murder convicts to wed.
  • The ceremony will take place within the Mandore Open Jail in Jodhpur.
  • The court emphasized that criminal conviction does not strip an individual of matrimonial rights.
  • Strict guidelines have been set regarding guests and ceremony logistics.

The Mandore Open Jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is set to witness a unique and highly unconventional wedding ceremony. In a significant legal development, the Rajasthan High Court has granted permission to two inmates, both serving life sentences for separate murder cases, to enter into the bond of marriage. This decision marks a profound intersection of criminal justice and individual human rights.

The Legal Context and Background

The individuals at the center of this legal saga are Mularam and Seema. Mularam, a resident of Nagaur district, has been serving a life sentence since January 16, 2017, following a conviction for the murder of his neighbor. Seema, on the other hand, is serving time for the murder of her husband and is currently out on a 40-day parole. The couple had been in a live-in relationship, and their petition for marriage was filed to formalize their union.

A Progressive Judicial Stance

A division bench comprising Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Praveer Bhatnagar presided over the hearing. The court's reasoning was rooted in the principle of rehabilitation. The bench observed that marriage is a vital social institution and noted that "the mere fact of being convicted of a crime cannot deprive an inmate of their right to marry by mutual consent." This observation underscores the judicial philosophy that the ultimate goal of imprisonment should be the reformation and social reintegration of the offender.

Strict Guidelines for the Ceremony

While granting permission, the High Court has laid down specific protocols to maintain jail discipline:

  • The wedding must be conducted strictly within the Mandore Open Jail camp.
  • Attendance is highly restricted, with a maximum of 21 guests from both sides allowed.
  • A priest will be present to perform the religious rites.
  • All expenses related to the wedding must be borne by the convict, Mularam.

According to Mularam's counsel, Kaluram Bhati, the wedding is expected to take place around July 22. The state government and prison authorities have expressed no objection to the union, aligning with the court's focus on prisoner welfare and rehabilitation.