Can a Hindu Have Two Wives in India?
The short answer to this question is no, a Hindu cannot have two wives in India. This is because polygamy is illegal in India, and has been since 1956. This law applies uniformly to all citizens of India, except for Muslims, who are allowed to have four wives. There is one exception to this rule, however, and that is for Hindus living in Goa and along the western coast of India. In these areas, bigamy is legal.
So, what is the difference between polygamy and bigamy? Polygamy is the practice of having more than one spouse at the same time, while bigamy is the practice of having two spouses at the same time. In India, polygamy is illegal, but bigamy is legal in certain areas. This means that a Hindu living in Goa or along the western coast of India can legally have two wives.
It is important to note, however, that a polygamous Hindu marriage is not legally recognized in India. This means that if a Hindu has two wives, neither of them will have any legal rights or benefits associated with the marriage. In addition, any children born out of such a marriage will not be recognized as legitimate in the eyes of the law.
In conclusion, while a Hindu living in Goa or along the western coast of India can legally have two wives, it is important to remember that such a marriage is not legally recognized and will not provide any legal rights or benefits to either spouse or any children born out of the marriage.