Husband and wife of same clan declared siblings in Haryana village

Rohtak (Haryana), Jan.31 (ANI): In a bizzre incident, a village council in Rohtak city of Haryana has nullified the marriage of a couple, who belonged to the same clan and declared the husband and wife to be brother and sister.

The incident occurred in Rohtak's Kheri village where Satish Berwal and Kavita Bainival, married each other three years ago. Today, they have a 10-month-old boy from this marriage.

The controversy picked up momentum a few days ago, when a group of villagers learnt that both belonged to the same clan. The matter was raised in the village council of Kheri village.

On Saturday (Jan.30), the village council in a special meeting declared the couple's marriage as null and void and declared that the couple would now have live as brother and sister in the village. However, the little boy would be able to avail the right of inheritance from Satish's property.

"We have nullified the relationship of the boy and the girl and declared them as brother and sister. Their son will be heir to the property of Satish Berwal," said Hawa Singh, president of the village council, Kheri village.

As per Hindu religion, marriage in the same clan is forbidden.

In general practice, the age-old custom is adhere to and any possibility of marrying in same clan is prevented during matrimonial alliance. However, in modern times, some of the youngsters find this old custom a matter of argument and wish it should have room for consideration and exception on the basis of individual case and circumstances. By Dhirender Kumar (ANI)