Couple’s Divorce Action Too Enmeshed in Religion

(CN) - U.S. courts have no business affirming or rejecting the validity of a couple's marriage in India in 1952, a New York appellate division ruled, because such a decision is "entrenched in religious doctrine."

"The validity of the parties' alleged marriage ... must be determined by analyzing the various and customary rites, customs, and practices of the Hindu religion of a particular caste in a particular religion," the 2nd Department Appellate Division in Brooklyn wrote. "This analysis is entrenched in religious doctrine and cannot be resolved by the application of neutral principals of law."

The justices reversed the trial court's determination that Rukminnadda and Subba Madireddy were validly married and dismissed their divorce action.

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