‘Real Kerala Story’: CPI(M) leader defends marriage under legal scrutiny

Senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), M V Govindan , on Sunday defended an interfaith marriage in Kerala that has sparked a political and legal controversy, asserting that there was “nothing wrong” with the union and calling it a “real Kerala story.”

Addressing a press conference, Govindan said the marriage involved two consenting individuals from different religions who chose to wed in Kerala after approaching authorities. The ceremony, held last month in Thiruvananthapuram, was attended by prominent CPI(M) leaders, including General Education Minister V Sivankutty and Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim .

The controversy erupted after allegations surfaced that the woman may have been underage , prompting an investigation in Madhya Pradesh. Govindan maintained that all documents presented by the woman including Aadhaar and PAN cards indicated she was of legal age, and these were verified by the police, temple authorities, and officials who registered the marriage.

He emphasized that any dispute regarding age is a legal matter to be handled by the appropriate authorities. “We are not people who hide when a case is registered,” he said. Govindan also accused the Sangh Parivar of fuelling the controversy , alleging that the couple is now facing threats. He reiterated the party’s support for such interfaith unions and said CPI(M) would not “retreat under pressure.”

Meanwhile, Anjana Devi , a member of the National Commission for Women’s advisory board, has filed a complaint with the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, seeking action against those involved. In her petition, she accused the woman’s husband, Farman Khan, along with CPI(M) leaders, of conducting an illegal and possibly forced marriage .

Devi alleged that the woman was a minor and that due procedures under the Special Marriage Act such as issuing public notice and inviting objections were not followed. She further claimed that political influence was used to expedite the marriage and suppress opposition, including from the woman’s father, who reportedly objected to the union.

The complaint seeks the inclusion of CPI(M) leaders as accused in the FIR registered in Madhya Pradesh and calls for their immediate arrest. As investigations continue, the case has evolved into a flashpoint involving questions of legality, interfaith relationships, and political confrontation , drawing sharp reactions from multiple quarters.