Gujarat to require parental intimation for marriage registrations

Gujarat is considering sweeping amendments to its marriage registration regime under the Gujarat Registration of Marriages Act, 2006. Under the draft rules, every marriage registration application would be filed before the Assistant Registrar and would require a declaration stating whether the bride and groom have informed their parents about the marriage. The couple would also have to share the names, addresses, Aadhaar numbers and contact details of their parents as part of the application.

The draft lays out a timeline: once the assistant registrar is satisfied, parents will be informed within 10 working days; the application then moves to the registrar of the district or taluka for verification. The registration would be completed 30 days after the registrar confirms that all requirements have been met, and the marriage certificate would be issued only after 40 days from the date of application to allow for verification, consultation or objections. An online portal created by the government would host the details.

Documents to be submitted include Aadhaar cards, birth certificates, school-leaving certificates for both parties, along with photographs and, where available, the marriage invitation card. Witnesses from both sides would also provide photographs and Aadhaar details.

The rules propose shifting the registration process from lower-level revenue offices to government courts, and clarify that these changes pertain to the registration process, not the personal law validity of marriages. The motive, officials say, is to curb misrepresentation and misuse while keeping genuine love marriages protected.

Officials also noted that the government does not oppose genuine love marriages but will act against deception. The intent is to streamline the process and enhance transparency, with the online portal serving as a central repository for verification and records.

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