Registration of marriages to become mandatory in Delhi

Registration of marriages within 60 days of tying the knot will become mandatory in Delhi and its non compliance will invite a fine of Rs 10,000.

The provision has been made in the draft Delhi Registration of Marriages Bill, 2012 which was tabled in Delhi assembly on Thursday.

Officials said all the marriages solemnised in Delhi or marriages solemnised out of Delhi involving a person who normally resides in Delhi will come under purview of the proposed legislation.

The Bill also seeks to make registration of marriages a simple and hassle-free process as presence of either the husband or wife at the designated offices will be enough for it.

Revenue minister A K Walia, who presented the Bill, said all marriages will have to be registered within a period of 60 days from the date of marriage and violation of the provision will invite a fine of Rs 10,000.

Registration of marriage will take place in the office of the Registrar of Marriages in whose jurisdiction either the husband or wife resides or in whose jurisdiction the marriage is solemnised.

If a marriage is solemnised in a foreign country and if the husband or wife normally resides in Delhi, then such marriage will also have to be registered, as per the draft bill.The Bill envisages registration of all marriages, be it under Hindu Marriage Act, Special Marriage Act or any other Act.