Rajasthan High Court allows two life convicts to marry inside Jodhpur prison

Rajasthan High Court allows two life convicts to marry inside Jodhpur prison Two life convicts married inside the Mandore open jail in Jodhpur following a ruling by the Rajasthan High Court. The ceremony took place on July 23, 2026, after the court permitted the union of Moolaram Bhati and Seema Ghadse, who are currently serving life sentences. The decision was based on the principle that the right to marry is an essential component of the fundamental right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The wedding occurred in the open-air premises of the Mandore jail, where the couple exchanged garlands and performed seven pheras, traditional ritual steps, in front of prison officials, police personnel, and approximately 21 guests. Family members, prison staff, and security personnel were among those present to witness the ceremony. After the vows, sweets were distributed to attendees as part of the celebration. The event marked a rare instance of legal recognition of marital rights for incarcerated individuals. The court’s ruling came after a petition filed by Moolaram Bhati, who sought temporary suspension of his sentence to allow the marriage. A Division Bench of the Rajasthan High Court, consisting of Justices PS Bhati and Praveer Bhatnagar, granted the request. The bench emphasized that marriage is a fundamental social institution and that denying it to consenting adults would violate constitutional principles. The court also noted that such unions contribute to the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners into society, aligning with broader objectives of the criminal justice system. The state government informed the court that both convicts had voluntarily chosen to marry and that there was no objection to the ceremony taking place within the open prison, as per established regulations. The court directed that the marriage be conducted under the supervision of prison authorities and allowed up to 21 guests, including a priest, to participate in the proceedings. This arrangement ensured compliance with safety protocols while respecting the couple’s wishes. Moolaram Bhati, 33, resides in Nagaur district and has been serving a life sentence since February 2017 for the murder of his neighbor. He was transferred to the Mandore Open Air Camp approximately two years ago due to good conduct. Seema Ghadse, 31, originally from Mumbai, is serving a life sentence for the murder of her husband. She was relocated to the Mandore facility about one-and-a-half years ago. Both have been engaged in agricultural work within the camp, during which time they formed a close bond. Their decision to marry led them to seek judicial approval, which was ultimately granted. Prison officials confirmed that the couple’s relationship developed through regular interactions during their shared labor assignments. The court’s approval enabled them to proceed with the marriage, which was conducted in accordance with prison guidelines. The event reflects a growing awareness of the need to balance punitive measures with rehabilitative efforts, ensuring that even incarcerated individuals can experience aspects of normalcy and familial connection. The ceremony concluded with blessings from attendees and a sense of closure for the couple. As the couple begins this new chapter, the case underscores the evolving role of the judiciary in recognizing human dignity and the importance of maintaining social bonds, even within the confines of incarceration.