The Supreme Court of India has directed all states and union territories to put in place proper mechanisms for the registration of marriages conducted under the Anand Marriage Act, which governs Sikh matrimonial ceremonies. The Court set a four-month deadline for compliance.
A bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud observed that despite the Act being amended in 2012 to legally recognize Sikh marriages separately from the Hindu Marriage Act, many states have still not notified rules or set up systems for registration. This gap, the Court said, creates hardships for Sikh couples, who often face difficulties in securing legal documents, property rights, and benefits linked to marital status.
The ruling came in response to a petition highlighting that the lack of uniform registration rules has led to confusion across states. Some continue to issue certificates under the Hindu Marriage Act, while others do not recognize the Anand Marriage Act at all.
The Court emphasized that registration of marriages is not only a statutory right but also an important safeguard against fraud, child marriage, and denial of rights to women. It instructed all Chief Secretaries to ensure that rules under the Act are notified and functional within four months. States must also report back to the Registrar General of India on progress.
Legal experts say the decision could provide long-awaited clarity and ensure that Sikh couples receive marriage certificates under their own law instead of being subsumed under Hindu provisions. The judgment also reinforces the Court’s broader push for compulsory marriage registration as a matter of public policy.
