A married man’s secret love for a transwoman in Kalahandi, earned the stamp of approval from his wife, who gave him permission to ‘marry’ her and even dwell under the same roof.
A father of a two-year-old kid, the 32-year-old guy had been in love with the transwoman for a year. After learning of his secret, his wife enthusiastically agreed to accept the harsh reality and their “marriage,” even though it was not legally binding.
The “marriage” was performed informally at a Narla temple in front of a number of transgender people.
Kamini, president of Sebakari Kinnar Mahasangha, took the initiative to plan the couple’s wedding. It was an unusual day for the trans community when a man who already had a child and a wife decided to get married to the trans woman he loved.
Kamini told a media agency over the phone, “We are all pleased for both and wish them a prosperous life in the future. We are aware that under Hindu marriage, second marriage is not lawful until the first one is formally dissolved.
“This unusual “marriage” was made possible by the wishes of both parties and the wife’s approval. They were also frequently questioned by other transgender people to see if they had any second thoughts. We also went to the police station to provide them with written updates, but they claimed to have little involvement in the situation “Kamini threw in.
“If a complaint regarding any such event (transgender marriage) is made by any aggrieved party, then we will act as per law,” said Inspector in Charge Gangadhar Meher of the Narla Police Station.
Senior attorney Trilochan Nanda, who represents clients in the Orissa High Court, asserted that a second marriage cannot be valid until the first marriage has been legally dissolved. “Even if they remain as husband and wife, such relationships might be classified as live-in or extra-marital. There is no such thing as a marriage, “He elaborated.
However, the newlyweds claimed that laws didn’t concern them. The man, who wished to remain unnamed, stated, “All three of us are content and want to stay that way.
Prasanta Patnaik