Maitri Karar

Maitri Karar (friendship contract) is a legitimate contract system prevailed in Gujarat between a man and a woman at least one of whom is already married.[1] similar live-in relationship Nata Pratha which is practiced in parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.[2]

As this system can be a pact between a married Hindu man and a woman while his wife is alive, It often circumvent the provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act, which prohibits the remarriage. The agreement would be made by a Sub-Registrar with his seal on affidavit on a stamp-paper of Rs. 10, signed by both the parties with two witnesses. Each agreement is customized based on both parties needs. In addition, It also includes financial support by the man for his partner. Though it is not legally enforceable, but the contract is meant to give a sense of security to both parties.

Maitri Karar is increasingly used as a substitute for marriage for same-sex and interfaith relationships.[3]

References
  1. "Love pacts: Just good friends". India Today. 15 December 1981. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  2. "To move in with married woman, ward panch marries 6-yr-old". Indian Express. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
  3. Same-sex couples in India are using a Gujarati practice to get ‘married’ Mint Lounge 05.10.2020.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.