Explanation – A sapinda marriage is one between individuals who are closely related to each other. As per section 3 of Hindu Marriage Act, “Two persons are said to be sapindas of each other if one is a lineal ascendant (it means son, grandson) of the other, or if they have a common lineal ascendant who is within the limits of sapinda relationship.” Section 5(v) of the Hindu Marriage Act prohibits sapinda marriages unless there is an established custom that permits the marriage. This means that if there is no established custom, marriage is considered invalid.

Source: Forum IAS