Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Marriage registration

The Supreme Court directive to Union and State Governments to amend the rules to make registration of marriage compulsory is long overdue. It has been a longstanding demand of women activists, lawyers, and more importantly, of those women who have been denied their legitimate rights. The move is a boon in a country where marriages take place anytime, anywhere. There are instances of a man marrying one woman in one street and another in the next with impunity.

Nazneen Barkath,
Madurai, T.N.

Registration of marriages will help both men and women to protect their rights. In a country with diverse ways of solemnising marriages, compulsory registration will introduce order and make proof of marriage much simpler.

T. Darmalingam,
Chennai

The order is sure to increase the self-esteem and confidence of women. But the question is: can governments effectively implement the rules?

S. Lakshmi Ashokkumar,
Bangalore

Registration will go a long way in protecting and empowering women. Will compulsory registration apply only to future marriages? Women who have been forced or persuaded to agree to their husbands taking a second wife need protection for themselves and their children.

Beatrix D'Souza,
Chennai

It is now up to the Governments to amend the rules in a foolproof manner. Registration of marriages will lead to a decline in the number of desertions. Courts can expedite decisions on family disputes if there is evidence of registration.

C.P. Velayudhan Nair,
Kochi, Kerala

In the absence of registration, it becomes easier for irresponsible men to desert their wives. It is hoped the move will check the tendency of men to go scot-free without settling property and maintenance. It is important for women's commissions and other agencies to make every household aware of the rights of married women.

Salil Gewali,
Shillong

While the direction is welcome, it should not become a burden on the people. Like hospitals that submit the birth and death records to corporations, municipalities, and panchayats, the managements of marriage halls, temples, and other venues where marriages take place can be asked to submit the details of marriages to the relevant authorities. Local bodies should be asked to maintain a record of all marriages.

K. Pandurangan,
Vellore, T.N.

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