Two Indian women get 'married' in defiance of law

Two women in Bengaluru, India are on the run from family and law after they got 'married' at a temple in Koramangala, reported Bangalore Mirror.

The 25-year-old and 21-year-old women whose names have not been revealed are said to be distant relatives and got married in what is being called the first lesbian wedding in the city.



Same-sex marriages are not legal in India and the parents of the younger woman have filed a complaint with the police and are now 'counselling' the couple to "make them realise" the negative fallout of their decision.

In a statement to the police, the older woman said she was attracted to her 'wife' when the younger one was in her teens. However, because she belonged to an orthodox family, she was initially met with rejection. The 25-year-old later won her over and in May both decided to run away from their homes knowing their parents would not accept their relationship.

A missing person's report was filed with the police. While the duo was traced, the police said they could not do anything as both women are adults.

Former public prosecutor S Doreraju told Bangalore Mirror, “Lesbian marriage is not recognised and is a punishable offence under Section 377, provided one of them becomes a complainant. Parents of both the women can also lodge a complaint but not under IPC section 377. They can give other reasons such as ‘psychological imbalance’ or ‘negatively influencing’ the other woman.”



Gowthaman Ranga, of the Alternative Law Forum, said that since both are adults, nobody should persecute them under Section 377. “The 2013 judgement categorically says that one cannot be booked under Section 377 based on identity [gays or lesbians]. However, it varies from case to case.”