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Introduction

पुरानी धारा (IPC)	अपराध	नई धारा (BNS, 2023)
IPC 504	जानबूझकर अपमान करना जिससे शांति भंग हो	BNS धारा 353 – शांति भंग करने के इरादे से जानबूझकर अपमान
IPC 506	आपराधिक धमकी (Criminal Intimidation)	BNS धारा 351 – आपराधिक धमकी
IPC 509	महिला की गरिमा का अपमान करना	BNS धारा 74 – महिला की शील/गरिमा का अपमान
IPC 34	समान इरादे से किया गया अपराध (Common Intention)	BNS धारा 3(5) – समान इरादे से किया गया अपराध
IPC 120B	आपराधिक साजिश (Criminal Conspiracy)	BNS धारा 61 – आपराधिक साजिश

Special Marriage Act, 1954 → अभी भी वैध है, इसमें कोई बदलाव नहीं हुआ।

SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 → यह भी अलग से लागू है और BNS से स्वतंत्र है।

Inter-caste marriages challenge centuries-old social norms in India. While society often resists such unions, the law firmly protects them. The Supreme Court has consistently emphasized that the choice of a life partner is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.

⚖️ Legal Framework

• Special Marriage Act, 1954: Provides a secular legal route for couples of different castes or religions to marry.
• SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: Protects individuals from caste-based harassment or violence.
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS, 2023): Replaces IPC, ensuring updated provisions against threats, intimidation, and conspiracy.

Key Supreme Court Judgements

1. Shakti Vahini vs Union of India (2018)

• The Court declared honor killings illegal and directed states to provide protection to couples facing threats.
• Quote: “Assertion of choice is an insegregrable facet of liberty and dignity.”

2. Rameshbhai Dabhai Naika vs State of Gujarat (2012)

• Clarified caste status of children born from inter-caste marriages.
• Held that such children can claim caste benefits if they are brought up in the community of the SC/ST parent.

3. Valsamma Paul vs Cochin University (1996)

• Earlier ruling that caste identity is not automatically transferable through marriage.
• Later refined by subsequent judgements to protect children’s rights.

Social Impact

• Changing Mindsets: Educated youth increasingly choose partners across caste lines.
• Government Schemes: Incentives like Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriage provide financial support (₹2.5 lakh).
• Challenges: Social ostracism, family pressure, and threats remain common.

Risks and Protections

• Risks: Social boycott, threats, honor crimes.
• Protections:
  • FIR under SC/ST Act and BNS provisions.
  • Police protection ordered by Supreme Court.
  • Shelter homes and fast-track courts in some states.

Conclusion

Inter-caste marriage is not just a personal choice but a constitutional right. The Supreme Court has made it clear: society must learn to accept inter-caste and inter-faith marriages. Legal safeguards exist, but awareness and enforcement are key to ensuring couples live with dignity and safety.