HYDERABAD: Alarmed at the recent incident in which a 16-year-old girl was married to an Omani citizen who is in his 60s, the
Minorities Welfare Department
has circulated a document urging legislation to crackdown on marriage brokers, exploiters and those who force girls into marriage.
Sources from the department requesting anonymity said the document reiterated some of the cases which have come to light so far. It underscored the need for strict monitoring of foreigners from
West Asian
countries, who come to the city on tourist visas, even as it stated that legislation and rules are important to put an end to the menace.
Sources said that important issue raised include obtaining of no objection certificates from the city police commissioner or superintendent of police if men from West Asian countries wish to marry locals. It also stated that men from India are not allowed to marry women from certain West Asian countries.
"An important point is that in case the no objection certificate is given, there should be proof that the wife is not under duress. This can happen if it is made mandatory that she reports to Indian Consular Officer every three months. This would mean that she is fine and taken care of," a source said.
Sources said that the qazi or naib (deputy) qazi should be made accused in such cases. Thus, there is a need to make these officiators more accountable.
"The Khazis Act of 1880 is very old. It has no rules in the state. Qazis do not want any change made to this act. But something concrete has to be done. It is likely that a meeting will be called to frame the rules for the act," source said.
When contacted, Minorities Welfare Department secretary
Syed Omer Jaleel
said, "Document has been circulated. It is with the Law Department.
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