Last reviewed: 27 September 2026. Laws and procedures change; check current rules before acting.
Caste is not a legal bar to marriage under any Indian law. Adults have the right to marry a partner of their choice, and the courts have repeatedly directed authorities to protect couples who face threats.
The right to choose
The Supreme Court has held that the choice of a life partner is part of personal liberty under Article 21. In Lata Singh v. State of U.P. (2006) it directed police to protect inter-caste and inter-religion couples from harassment. In Shafin Jahan v. Asokan K.M. (2018) it reaffirmed that an adult's choice of partner cannot be overridden by family or society.
Protection against threats
In Shakti Vahini v. Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court held that assemblies such as khap panchayats cannot interfere with a consenting adult couple's marriage, and laid down preventive, remedial and punitive measures for states, including action on complaints from couples under threat.
- Keep evidence. Save threatening messages and note dates.
- Approach the police. Give a written complaint and ask for protection; keep the diary number.
- High Court protection. Couples can file a writ petition seeking protection. Courts often direct police to ensure safety.
- Emergency. Call 112 in an emergency.
If one partner is from a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe
Where threats or violence involve caste-based offences, the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 may apply, in addition to general criminal law.
Incentive schemes
The central Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages and several state schemes offer one-time incentives to eligible couples, usually where one spouse belongs to a Scheduled Caste and the marriage is registered. Terms, amounts and deadlines are set by each scheme; check the current notification. See documents for inter-caste marriage.
Choosing the legal route
Two Hindus of different castes can marry under the Hindu Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act. See inter-caste marriage procedure.
Related services
Disclaimer: This page gives general information about the law and procedure as understood at the time of writing. It is not legal advice for your situation. Requirements may vary depending on the parties' circumstances, applicable law, jurisdiction and the concerned authority, and rules and forms change from time to time. Please consult an advocate before acting.