Originally posted by : Shailesh | ||
I want to marry my sisters-in-law (wife's sisters). My wife and her sisters have no objection as they believe that instead of all of them spending time, money, effort and other resources in searching for separate good husbands and taking risks why don't they become wives of one good husband and therefore we all can live together as well, moreover when we were all living together for considerable amount of time and I treated each of them as wives and no problem arose during these years, which proves that we can live together happily as compared to marrying them to guys whom they never lived with ever before. I am an atheist though my parents were Hindus. Will Hindu Marriage Act still apply for me as I am an atheist? I have 4 sisters-in-law as my wife has 4 sisters and no brothers. What is the limit of number of wives that a husband can have? If there is no such provision for us, then I think that it would be better to migrate to some Middle-east nations were polygyny is permitted. |
Indian Constitution is a secular Constitution(it also means atheist has equal rights and protection in every respect including the laws and policies of the State). This can be ascertained by reading the Preamble, Articles 60, 69, 75(4), 84(a), 99, 124(6), 148(2), 159, 164(3), 173(a), 188, 219, Forms of Oaths or Affirmations in THIRD SCHEDULE. All those who do not believe in God(atheists), instead of taking Oath by "swear in the name of God", have the option of making affirmation by "solemnly affirm" in above mentioned Articles. This also means every person has similar rights under the laws enacted by legislature. To be an atheist is a fundamental right of freedom and liberty under Part III especially Articles 21 and 25.
Your query is related to your fundamental right of polygamy under the Constitution. Part III of the Constitution has already aknowledged polygamy for persons believing in Islamic faith under Muslim personal laws. There is equality before law under Part III. It also means polygamy is embedded in the marriage laws of all respective religions(as well as for atheists) provided the other spouse/ spouses have no objection. Supreme Court has already held on the lines that live in/ consensual s*x by adults is not an offense.
Keeping the above facts in mind approach an experienced advocate who would file a writ in High Court or Supreme Court. All the six of you can make an affidavit that you want to marry and live together and have no objection whatsoever to this polygamous relationship, and the Hon'ble Court give clarity and direction to the State so that all your wives can get legal legitimacy under all the laws and policies of the State. If there is no such enactment for athiests let the State be directed to enact such an enactment.