Jamui: A marriage involving a Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC)-appointed teacher and her cousin, who recently underwent gender transition, has sparked controversy in Bihar’s Jamui district, leaving both families and villagers divided and raising questions about family acceptance, personal choice, and legal recognition.
The incident has been reported from Harla village in Lakshmipur block of Jamui district, where Nayanshree Kumari, a government school teacher, reportedly married her cousin Rakhi Kumari, who now identifies as Rahul after undergoing gender transition.
Family Members Express Shock
Nayanshree’s mother, Babita Devi, said the family had no prior knowledge of either the gender transition or the marriage. Speaking to reporters, she said the family had pinned high hopes on Nayanshree, who was appointed as a teacher through the BPSC recruitment process in 2025.
“We were proud of our daughter. We believed she would help support the family and contribute to the education of her younger siblings. We never imagined that her friendship with Rakhi would lead to marriage,” Babita Devi said.
The family claims they learned about the marriage only after Nayanshree left home on May 31, reportedly telling relatives she was going to school.
Sister Alleges Emotional Pressure
Nayanshree’s younger sister alleged that the family had been unaware of the nature of the relationship between the two women. She claimed that Rakhi, after transitioning to Rahul, pressured Nayanshree into marriage.
According to the family, the two cousins had been close since childhood and studied together for several years. Both completed their matriculation examinations in 2019, attended coaching classes together, and later pursued higher education at the same institution.
The family alleges that changes in Nayanshree’s behaviour became noticeable after she secured a government teaching position, although these claims have not been independently verified.
Relationship Developed During Studies
Residents and relatives familiar with the family said Nayanshree and Rakhi shared a close bond for years. After completing school, they reportedly studied together in Patna while preparing for competitive examinations.
Nayanshree later qualified in the BPSC teacher recruitment process and was posted at a primary school in Mednipur under Lakshmipur block.
Local sources claim Rakhi underwent gender transition approximately six months ago. Some villagers alleged that a bank loan was obtained to support the medical procedure, though official documentation regarding the claim was not immediately available.
Family Dispute After Marriage
The marriage reportedly triggered tensions between the two families. Rahul’s relatives said Nayanshree’s family objected strongly to the union and reached their residence after learning about the marriage.
According to Rahul’s elder sister, an argument broke out between family members, following which the couple left the village. Their current whereabouts remain unknown, and relatives from both sides said they have been unable to contact them.
Police Response
Local police confirmed that they were informed about the dispute after villagers contacted the emergency response service.
Officials said no formal complaint had been filed by either side as of Tuesday. Police added that both individuals are adults and are legally free to make personal decisions unless a cognizable offence is alleged.
“If any complaint is received, we will examine the matter and take action as per law. At present, both individuals are adults,” a police official said.
Legal Position
Under current Indian law, marriage is legally recognized only between a man and a woman under statutes such as the Hindu Marriage Act and the Special Marriage Act.
In 2023, the Supreme Court declined to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriages, holding that any such change would require legislative action.
However, the Supreme Court’s landmark 2018 judgment in the Navtej Singh Johar case decriminalized consensual same-sex relationships between adults. As a result, consenting adults are free to live together without criminal liability, and courts have, in several cases, extended protection to adult couples facing threats or harassment.
The Jamui case has drawn significant attention on social media and in the local community, with discussions centering on personal liberty, family expectations, gender identity, and the evolving social landscape in rural India.
