A peculiar case of polygamy has emerged from Uttar Pradesh's Amroha district, where three sisters have publicly claimed that they are all married to the same man. The sisters, residents of a village under the Dhanaura police station area, have been living with the man in a single household, according to reports. Videos of the arrangement have gone viral on social media, amassing over 3 million views across various platforms.
Sisters' Claim and Family Reaction
The sisters, identified as Priya, Riya, and Kavita (names changed), stated in an interview that they willingly married the man, identified as Ramesh Kumar, a local farmer. “We love him and he loves us equally. We are happy together,” one of the sisters said. Their parents, however, expressed shock and disapproval. “We had no idea they were all married to the same man. This is against our traditions,” the mother said in a statement.
The man, Ramesh Kumar, defended the arrangement, claiming that he married the eldest sister first, and the other two sisters insisted on joining. “I tried to refuse, but they were adamant. Now we live as one family,” he said.
Legal and Social Implications
Polygamy is illegal for Hindus under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, but it is permitted for Muslims in India under certain conditions. The case has sparked a debate on social media, with many criticizing the arrangement and others defending the sisters' choice. Police have taken suo moto cognizance of the viral videos. “We are investigating the matter. If any law has been violated, appropriate action will be taken,” said a police official from Dhanaura police station.
The district administration has also been alerted. Officials are examining whether any coercion was involved. “We have not received any complaint from the sisters or their family. But the videos indicate a potential case of bigamy, which is a criminal offense,” the official added.
Viral Videos and Public Reaction
The videos, originally uploaded on TikTok and later shared on WhatsApp and Facebook, show the three sisters and Ramesh Kumar performing household chores together and interacting with neighbors in a seemingly cordial manner. Many users have expressed disbelief, while others have praised the sisters for their “unity and transparency.” One user wrote, “It’s their life, their choice. As long as everyone is happy, society should not interfere.” Another commented, “This is illegal and sets a wrong example.”
Experts have weighed in on the issue. Sociologist Dr. Anjali Sharma said, “While consensual polygamy exists in some communities, it is not legally recognized for Hindus. This case highlights the gap between societal acceptance and law.”
Background and Context
The incident is not the first of its kind. In 2024, a similar case of two sisters marrying the same man was reported from Madhya Pradesh. However, the Amroha case is unusual as it involves three sisters. The family originally hails from a lower-middle-class background, and the sisters have minimal formal education. Neighbors described them as “simple and hardworking.”
As the investigation continues, the sisters and Ramesh Kumar remain together. “We are not afraid of the law. We will fight for our right to live together,” one sister asserted. The outcome will likely set a precedent for how such unconventional marriages are treated under the law.
