Supreme Court Pushes for State Compliance in Registering 'Anand Karaj' Marriages

The Supreme Court of India has directed states and union territories to establish rules for registering Sikh 'Anand Karaj' marriages. This order ensures these marriages are documented equally with other types. Some jurisdictions had yet to comply, prompting the court’s four-month deadline for action.

The Supreme Court of India has instructed several states and union territories to enact rules within four months for the registration of Sikh 'Anand Karaj' marriage ceremonies. The court emphasized the importance of ensuring these marriages are recognized equally with others under the law.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued this directive, underscoring the need for a neutral and workable pathway for such marriages' certification. The court highlighted that although the 'Anand Karaj' is recognized legally, the absence of a registration system results in only a partly fulfilled legal promise.

The judgment follows a plea for states to comply with Section 6 of the Anand Marriage Act, 1909, modified in 2012, which mandates enabling marriage registration through rules. While some regions had done so, many others lagged behind, leading to unequal outcomes. The court also tasked the Centre with compiling a status report and ensuring procedural rules provide equitable access without discrimination.