It has become mandatory for couples to get marriages registered within 60 days of tying the knot in Delhi. Non-compliance will invite a fine of Rs 1,000. If you want tatkal (urgent) registration of marriage, then one will have to shell out Rs 10,000. Delhi lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung on Tuesday passed an order, making all marriages solemised in Delhi or marriages solemnised out of Delhi involving a person who resides in Delhi will have to register marriages within 60 days of trying the knot under the order called the Delhi (Compulsory Registration of Marriage) Order 2014.
The order shall extend to all marriages solemnised in Delhi irrespective of caste, creed and religion professed by the parties to the marriage. In order to comply with Supreme Court order for registration of marriage within 60 days, Delhi Government Revenue Department has sent a proposal to lieutenant-Governor for issuance of order for making marriage registration compulsory in the national Capital.
“In case of default to get the marriage registered within the prescribed period of 60 days, the marriage officer would have the power to condone the delay not exceeding further 60 days subject to additional fee of Rs 500 and thereafter register the marriage. If any party to the marriage having not registered their marriage within the prescribed period or extended period would have to pay a penalty of Rs 1,000,”the order said.
“On the commencement of this order, any marriage solemnised in Delhi, between a male having completed 21 years of age and a female having completed 18 years of age on the date of solemnisation of the marriage and of which at least one of the parties is an Indian citizen, such marriage shall be compulsory register able in accordance with this order, irrespective of caste, creed and religion professed by any party or parties to such marriage. Provided that if the marriage has already been registered under any existing law, the same shall not be required to be registered,” the order said. It is noted that the Delhi Registration of Marriage Bill 2012, which has been referred to the select committee of Delhi Assembly was lapsed last year.