Registration of all marriages made compulsory in TN

The Tamil Nadu government has made registration of marriages compulsory for all religions, and has warned of action if it was not done within the stipulated period or if false information was provided.

By a Government Order dated November 24, the Registration Department has made compulsory that the registration of marriages of persons belonging to various religions in the State under the Tamil Nadu Marriages Registration Rules 2009. This has come into effect from November 24.

This is in concurrence with a law enacted by the state to comply with the Supreme Court’s 2007 order of making registration of marriages compulsory.

Even if the marriages are registered under different Acts governing the Hindu, Christian and Muslim marriages, they “are required to be compulsorily registered,” an official press release said
According to section 3 of the Act, marriages registered under other Acts such as Hindu marriage Act 1955, Indian Christian marriage Act 1872, special marriage Act 1954, the Mohammedian shariet marriage Act and other laws have to be registered under this Act as well.

The persons concerned should send a memorandum along with duly filled forms, witnesses’ signature besides that of the priest who solemnized the marriage and proof of age and identity to Registrar of Marriage within 90 days, the release said adding false information or non-registration of marriages will attract punishment.

- Asian Tribune -