REGISTRATION OF MARRIAGES

We were informed that for registration of marriages in Delhi, the couple was required to take along a Gazetted Officer for identification. It was felt that this requirement was unnecessary and an obstruction in registration of marriages as majority of the `couples' may not be having acquaintance with a Gazetted Officer who may agree to spend almost a whole day in the Court for identifying the couple. The matter was taken up with the Government of NCT of Delhi to do away with this requirement so as to facilitate registration of marriages. They were also informed that there is no such stipulation in the case of "Registered Marriages" where only three witnesses are required.

We have now been informed by the Divisional Commissioner, Delhi that the Hindu Marriage Registration Rules, 1956 have been amended and there is no necessity of a Gazetted Officer at the time of registration of marriage. Any person having PAN of Income Tax can certify the marriage. We have also received a copy of their Notification No.F.1(24)/MC/DC/2005/PF5/30 dated 29-9-2005 which is reproduced below:

NOTIFICATION

F.1(24)/MC/DC/2005/PF/- In exercise of the powers conferred by sub/sections (1) and (4) of section 8 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (25 of 1955) read with Govt. of India, Ministry of Law Notification No. SRO 2063 dated 19th September, 1955, the Lt. Goernor of N.C.T of Delhi hereby makes the following rules to further amend the Hindu Marriage Registration Rules, 1956, namely :-

RULES

Short title and commencement: (1) These rules may be called the Delhi Hindu Marriage Registration ( Amendment) Rules, 2005.

Amendment of rule 4 In the Delhi, Hindu Marriage Registration Rules, 1956, in rule 4, for sub-rule (2) the following shall be substituted, namely :-

"(2) For the purpose of identification, the proof may be in the certificate containing the attested photographs of the husband and wife from anyone of the following categories of persons/officers, namely :-

any person having PAN of Income Tax,

Or

any officer/official of Central or State governments or Union Territory Administration or PSU/ autonomous bodies whose identify can be established."

By order and in the name of the Lt. Governor of National Capital Territory of Delhi

April-June 2006