The shortest and sweetest answer to your question is: No, it is not legal at all to marry your sister in India. Not only is it illegal as per the law in India, but it is considered kinda a taboo by the society or as per the culture of the country.
What Are The Legal Boundaries Set by Indian Laws Regarding This?
In India, the laws regarding marriage, dos, and don’ts are very clear-cut, especially when it comes to marrying within your family, like your sister. According to the 1955 Hindu Marriage Act, marrying one’s sister is explicitly considered illegal and categorized as a “prohibited relationship.” Thus, any union falling within this category is kinda illegal and holds no legal value or recognition at all, and this means it is of no legal effect at all. This is essential for the prevention of any legal and social problems that may arise from marriages of close relatives. And even in Islam, it is actually not allowed to marry your blood-related sister.
The Special Marriage Act of 1954 further expands the ban to include all Indians regardless of religion and also the marriage between siblings. The main aim of these laws is to uphold the social norms and the family and societal welfare by defining and regulating the marital regulations well.
What Does Society Think About Marrying Within the Family Right Here In India?
Marrying within your family in India is seen with a lot of disapproval in today’s society, but things can be different for a few people. Like who? You see, in some areas, such as rural villages or areas with a tribal population, one can see that people still tend to prefer marriage in close blood-related bonds that are otherwise laid down as a ban in the law. However, one of the most important things to keep in mind is that even though these types of exceptions are rare, they still can not be common or be greater than the laws that are binding on all citizens of the country.
All in all, most of the country prohibits marrying your sister or other close relatives. Not only is it against the law, but it is also frowned upon by society. These norms have been so ingrained in the social structure of India that people are adhered to preserve the family unit. Even in those places where the existing local customs might be sexist enough to suggest otherwise, such marriages go against the law of the land and are therefore unrecognized by the courts. Simple as that.
