Anand Marriage Registration: Rules unveiled, Tehsildars appointed as registrars in J&K

SRINAGAR: In a significant development, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has introduced the "Jammu and Kashmir Anand Marriage Registration Rules, 2023," under the authority of the Anand Marriage Act, 1909.
These rules, in accordance with the Ministry of Home Affairs Notification S.O. 1467(E) dated April 2016, have been established to streamline the process of registering Anand Marriages, a sacred Sikh tradition known as "Anand Karaj."
The rules, officially designated as the "Jammu and Kashmir Anand Marriage Registration Rules, 2023," come into effect immediately upon their publication in the Official Gazette issued by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.
The rules provide clear definitions for crucial terms, including Anand Marriage, Chief Registrar of Marriages, District Registrar, Foreign National, Non-Resident Indian (NRI), Parties to the Marriage, Register, Registrar of Marriages, and Relations.
Tehsildars within their respective territorial jurisdictions have been appointed as Registrars of Anand Marriages for the purpose of facilitating registrations. Anand Marriages are required to be registered with the Registrar having jurisdiction over the area where the marriage is solemnized.
Parties involved must submit a memorandum, using Form-I, within three months of the marriage. For non-resident Indians, additional information specified in Form II must be provided along with a fee of Rs. 1,500, payable in the form of court fee stamps.
Provisions are in place for late submissions, with varying late fees depending on the duration after the marriage. The process requires permission from the District Registrar and Chief Registrar for submissions beyond specific timelines.
Registrars undertake verification processes and subsequently enter marriage details into the register. Refusal may occur if parties fail to comply with provided directions.
The Registrar is responsible for furnishing two complimentary copies of the Anand Marriage certificate to the parties within 15 days of registration.
The Registrar is empowered to correct or cancel entries in the register, following due process and affording the concerned parties a fair opportunity to be heard.
A structured appeal process is outlined, allowing individuals aggrieved by the Registrar's decisions to file appeals within specific timelines and fees. District Registrars are required to compile quarterly reports on marriages, submitting them to the Chief Registrar for record-keeping.
Registrars are tasked with maintaining an Anand Marriage Register in English, as detailed in Form IV. This comprehensive framework is designed to simplify and organize the registration process for Anand Marriages in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, providing transparency and guidance for both residents and non-residents participating in this sacred ceremony.

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