Marrying for love? Nanny state brings parents into the loop

Gandhinagar: "Miyan, bibi raazi, to kya karega kaazi?" — the popular saying underscores that two consenting adults have the final say in marriage. In Gujarat, however, the state govt has proposed amendments to the Gujarat Registration of Marriage Rules that formally bring parents into the process.Under the draft rules introduced in the assembly on Friday, couples seeking to register their marriage will have to submit an undertaking stating whether they have informed their parents. More significantly, upon receipt of the application, the assistant registrar will notify the parents of both bride and groom — electronically, including via WhatsApp, or through physical communication.
The govt says the move is aimed at enhancing transparency and preventing fraud. It also proposes stricter identity verification, enhanced scrutiny of witnesses, and tighter notary checks. The amendments come amid sustained representations from several community groups seeking mandatory parental involvement in cases of love marriages.Deputy chief minister Harsh Sanghavi, who introduced the proposed changes, said the govt is not against love marriages but cannot allow deception. "Innocent girls are being trapped and such practices are spreading like termites in society. The Bhupendra Patel govt is not against love, but it is firm on catching anyone who brings disrepute to love," Sanghavi said. "Salim masquerading as Suresh will not be allowed. There have been instances of girls being lured into marriage through deception. The govt intends to plug loopholes exploited by antisocial elements and colluding officials."Citing instances from Panchmahal district, Sanghavi said investigations were ordered after ‘nikaah' certificates were allegedly issued in villages where there was no mosque or even a single Muslim family. In villages such as Kankodakui and Nathkuva, hundreds of such certificates were reportedly issued by talati-cum-mantris, and action has been initiated.Apart from the undertaking, applicants will have to provide detailed contact information of both parents — including names, addresses, mobile numbers, and Aadhaar details. Once the application is received, it will be forwarded to the district or taluka marriage registrar. Registration will be granted within 30 days after verification of compliance with the stipulated requirements. The details will also be uploaded on a dedicated govt portal, as per the draft rules.The govt has invited public feedback for one month. Suggestions and objections can be submitted through the Health and Family Welfare department's website.Over the past few years, several community organisations, including those representing Patidar and Kshatriya Thakor groups, have pressed for stricter marriage registration norms and mandatory parental consent in cases of love marriages. Allegations of "love jihad" have further intensified these demands. The proposed amendments did not face opposition in the assembly, with the Congress remaining silent and AAP supporting the move. AAP legislator Hemant Ahir had moved a private member's bill on similar lines earlier this week.However, legal experts have cautioned that the proposed changes may face constitutional challenges. "This infringes upon the fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. If implemented and challenged, such provisions may not withstand judicial scrutiny," said advocate Mahesh Baria. Advocate Nilesh Bhavsar added that while the govt has described the measure as mere intimation, parental objections could potentially influence registration decisions, leading to litigation.couples before they marry