(a) whether the National Commission for Women has recommended for compulsory registration
of all marriages in the country; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
(a) whether the National Commission for Women has recommended for compulsory registration
of all marriages in the country; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)
(a) & (b): The National Commission for Women (NCW) had suggested a draft Bill,
‘Compulsory Registration of Marriages’ in 2005 to provide for compulsory registration
of all marriages solemnized, contracted or entered into, wherein both or one of the parties
is a citizen of India. The draft Bill provided for appointment of Registrar General —
Marriages and other functionaries to facilitate registration of marriages.
Separately, the Hon’ble Supreme Court in its judgment dated 14th February, 2006 in the case
of Seema Vs. Ashwani Kumar, directed that registration of marriages of all persons who are
citizens of India belonging to various religions should be made compulsory in their respective
States, where the marriage is solemnized.
In pursuance of the directions of the Supreme Court, State Governments/UT Administrations
are taking steps to make registration of marriages compulsory in their respective States/UTs.
As a result, there is no proposal to have a separate central legislation.