KOCHI
: The high court has allowed a couple to solemnize their marriage virtually as the bridegroom is stuck in the
United Kingdom
due to travel restrictions in place in view of the
Omicron variant of Covid-19.
Justice N Nagaresh issued the order on Wednesday after considering a petition filed by Rintu Thomas of Kozhikode seeking a court directive to the marriage officer at the sub registrar office at
Malayinkeezhu
in Thiruvananthapuram.
The petitioner had submitted a notice of intended marriage as per Special Marriage Act and her fiancé
Anantha Krishnan
had booked flight tickets for the marriage scheduled on December 22. However, he was not able to travel as planned due to the restrictions on international travel currently in place and the requirement of compulsory quarantine upon traveling. In such circumstances, they should be allowed to solemnize the marriage virtually, the petition said.
Though the government pleader opposed, by pointing out that the notice for marriage was given only on November 11 and a 30-day notice period is required, the court allowed the plea citing cases from the Covid lockdown period when virtual marriages were allowed.
While ordering the marriage officer to solemnize the marriage virtually, the court directed witnesses to appear in person before the officer and to identify the parties who are online. In places where signature of the parties is required, their power of attorney holders or agents can sign. Upon completing the formalities, a marriage certificate should be issued, the court ordered.