Question

Polygamy was permitted for Hindus before the year

• A. 1956
• B. 1954
• C. 1955
• D. 1978

Hint:

The year 1955 is a landmark in the history of Hindu personal law. It marks the beginning of the "Hindu Code Bills" era, which led to the codification and modernization of Hindu law on marriage (1955), succession (1956), minority and guardianship (1956), and adoptions and maintenance (1956).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Traditional Hindu law, before its codification in the mid-20th century, did not prohibit polygamy (a man having multiple wives). The introduction of a specific statute changed this legal position.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, was enacted by the Parliament of India and came into force on 18th May 1955. This Act codified the law relating to marriage among Hindus.
Section 5 of the Act lays down the conditions for a valid Hindu marriage. Clause (i) of Section 5 states that a marriage may be solemnized between any two Hindus if "neither party has a spouse living at the time of the marriage."
This provision introduced the concept of monogamy as a mandatory condition for a valid Hindu marriage. Any marriage solemnized after the commencement of this Act in violation of this condition is null and void under Section 11, and the person remarrying is liable for the offence of bigamy under Section 17 of the Act and Section 494 of the IPC.
Therefore, polygamy was permitted before the year 1955.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Polygamy was permitted for Hindus before the enactment of the Hindu Marriage Act in the year 1955.