The Sikh Rehat Maryada presents marriage as a spiritual union grounded in shared faith rather than social status, lineage, or caste. It explicitly rejects caste as having any religious standing and instructs Sikhs not to observe caste distinctions. Within this framework, inter-caste marriages between Sikhs are fully in harmony with Sikh principles, since caste is not to be a criterion in choosing a life partner. The emphasis falls instead on character, spiritual orientation, and commitment to Sikh values. In this way, the code of conduct seeks to translate the Gurus’ egalitarian teachings into lived social practice, including the intimate sphere of family life.

With regard to inter-religious marriages, the Rehat Maryada defines the Sikh marriage ceremony, Anand Karaj, as a union between two Sikhs. Both partners are expected to be Sikhs who accept the Guru Granth Sahib as their guide and align themselves with Sikh belief and practice. The ceremony itself is therefore reserved for those who stand together within the Sikh fold, sharing a common spiritual path. Where one partner is not Sikh, the Rehat Maryada does not prescribe Anand Karaj for that union, since the rite is framed as a specifically Sikh religious covenant rather than a general social contract. In all of this, the underlying concern is that marriage be rooted in spiritual compatibility and a shared commitment to the Sikh way, rather than in external markers such as caste, wealth, or family background.