TINU AUGUSTINE Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner and the daughter of the 5th respondent, Josina Jose intend to get married. The marriage was fixed in August, 2020. The Betrothal was to take place in March, 2021 and the marriage in April, 2021. The bride Josina Jose is working in United Kingdom. Due to wide spread Covid-19 pandemic, the bride is not in a position to travel to India for solemnisation of the marriage.

(2.) The petitioner submitted Ext.P2 application/notice of intended marriage before the 2nd respondent. The 2nd respondent is insisting personal presence of the bride for solemnization of the marriage.

(3.) The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the bride is not in a position to travel to India for solemnisation of the marriage due the subsisting Covid-19 pandemic world across and the restrictions on international travel. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that in similar circumstances, this Court has granted permission to solemnise the marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 under virtual mode. The petitioner may also be extended with the said benefit.