sapinda
Under Section 3(f) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, the sapinda relationship extends, in the line of ascent, up to the third generation (inclusive) through the mother and the fifth generation (inclusive) through the father, the person concerned being counted as the first generation. Two persons are sapindas if one is a lineal ascendant of the other within these limits, or if they have a common lineal ascendant within the limits for each.
A marriage between sapindas is void (s.5(v) read with s.11), unless a custom or usage governing both parties permits it. Sapinda relationship is distinct from the degrees of prohibited relationship in s.3(g), though both are bars to marriage.
Example
A marriage between a man and his father's brother's daughter is void as within sapinda limits, unless a valid custom permits it.
In Indian law
- Sections 3(f), 5(v) and 11, Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
See also
degrees of prohibited relationship · saptapadi · nullity of marriage · marriage
Read more in the study notes
- Dharma and the sources of Hindu law (Family Law I - Hindu Law)
- Hindu marriage and the conditions of a valid marriage (Family Law I - Hindu Law)
- Succession to a Hindu male dying intestate (Family Law I - Hindu Law)
- Indological or textual perspective: G.S. Ghurye, Radhakamal Mukerjee, Louis Dumont (Sociology - Indian Society Continuity and Change)
- Hindu marriage: aims, forms, rites and changes (Sociology - Indian Society Continuity and Change)
- Kinship: basic concepts and regional variation (Iravati Karve) (Sociology - Indian Society Continuity and Change)