Now register marriage online using Aadhaar number
Couples in Maharashtra can now register their marriages online with the help of their Aadhaar numbers. The state government launched an Aadhaar-based e-registration service on its Department of Registration and Stamps website on November 1, making transparent the process under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. Couples now need to visit a marriage registration office only once, to solemnize their wedding. Read on for more.
The Special Marriage Act, 1954, allows interfaith marriages
Under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, couples can register marriages irrespective of their faith. However, the Act makes it mandatory for them to serve a notice and submit relevant documents to the marriage registrar of the district a month before their intended date of marriage. The registration process takes another 60 days, post which a marriage is solemnized if there are no objections.
Marriage registration made simple
The bride and groom need to create an account on the website and fill necessary details. A web notice will then be issued, which can be seen by all. Since Aadhaar linking is mandatory, it simplifies the documentation and verification process. After online notices, the couple gets information about their appointment and marriage date through SMS. They get computerized marriage certificates post the ceremony.
Encouraging minimalist wedding ceremonies
The initiative aims to make the process easy, transparent and quick. It also intends to boost the number of registrations under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, and discourage ostentatious wedding ceremonies. Since the procedure now involves Aadhaar, it is expected to prevent misuse and streamline data from all sub-registrar offices to check on other details such as earlier marriages of bride or groom.
Only 7.5% of all marriages registered under Special Marriage Act
According to government estimates, over 4 lakh weddings are organized in Maharashtra every year. However, of these only about 30,000 are registered under the Special Marriage Act, 1952. Most people either never register their marriage or do it under community/religion specific marriage acts.
