Gujarat is gearing up for a big shake-up in how marriages are officially registered. After repeated demands from several community groups, the state government has proposed changes that would bring the “family unit” directly into the paperwork of a couple’s marriage.Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced the planned amendment to the Gujarat Registration of Marriages Act, outlining a stricter, multi-step verification system in place of the current process.One of the biggest changes is a mandatory “declaration” from the bride and groom. Couples will have to officially state whether their parents are aware of the marriage. And it doesn’t stop at just ticking a box. The Assistant Registrar will be required to inform the parents within 10 working days, using the contact details submitted in the application.The paperwork is also set to get more detailed. From parents’ Aadhaar cards to the “Kankotri” (wedding invitation), applicants may need to provide a more comprehensive paper trail than before.
30-day gap
Quick registrations could soon be a thing of the past. The proposal introduces a compulsory 30-day gap between submitting the application and receiving the marriage certificate. During that period, key details – including wedding photos and witness information – will be uploaded to a centralised state government portal. The idea is to digitise records and create a clear, trackable system across Gujarat.
Speaking about the move, Sanghavi said that once a couple applies, parents will be notified via WhatsApp and text message through the portal. According to him, the goal is to safeguard parents’ sentiments while also protecting everyone’s rights.The government says these changes reflect feedback from various communities that had been pushing for greater transparency and parental involvement. Still, the proposal admits the issue isn’t straightforward. Mandatory notifications may not sit well with everyone – including some lawmakers and couples themselves.With a 30-day public feedback window currently open, all eyes are on whether objections or suggestions will lead to tweaks before the law is finalised.
