Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government announced key amendments to the Registration of Marriages Act, 2006, on Friday to enhance transparency, protect women, and uphold traditions.
Deputy CM and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi detailed the changes in the state assembly under Rule 44, stressing their role in daughter safety and societal norms. Parents will now be mandatory in the process via a dedicated portal, receiving notifications and consent requirements.
"Our government is not against love. We are committed to taking strict action against those who misuse the concept of love. Marriage is one of the 16 sacred samskaras," Sanghavi said. "Tradition should not be violated by deceit. It is a serious matter if someone hides their identity to trap a daughter. The government cannot ignore this."
He warned: "If anyone, pretending to be someone like Salim Suresh, tries to trap a state’s daughter, this government will act in such a way that he will not even dare to look at any daughter in the future."
The push follows Panchmahal cases of dubious 'Nikah' certificates in villages without Muslim residents. Amendments mandate notarised applications with ID proofs (Aadhaar, passport, licence), parents' details, and witnesses. After 10-day parental notice, verification takes 30 days before online certification.
Sanghavi noted consultations with CM Bhupendra Patel and 30 stakeholder meetings. Public feedback is invited for 30 days via the Health Dept website; a committee will finalise rules.
"When a daughter is born, she grows in her father’s courtyard like the Tulsi plant. Love marriages are not opposed, but strict action will be taken against deceit and coercion. This government is the protector of every daughter’s honour and our ancient traditions," he added.
(Inputs from IANS)