Gujarat Proposes New Marriage Registration Rules Mandating Parental Intimation and Verification Safeguards

Under the draft framework, once a couple submits an application, the bride’s parents would receive details of the registration on the same day through WhatsApp. A marriage certificate would be issued only on the 40th day after submission, allowing time for verification and objections, if any. Authorities would also collect parents’ identification details, including Aadhaar numbers linked to the UIDAI database, and contact information during the application process.

Officials said the proposed rules aim to strengthen transparency and legal compliance while ensuring couples who marry with family consent face no additional hurdles. Sanghvi told legislators that notarisation of marriage documents must occur in the presence of all parties. Any paperwork executed in absentia could invite strict legal action, he said, adding that the state wants to deter fraudulent registrations without interfering in legitimate unions.

The government is also developing a dedicated online portal specifically for love marriage registrations. The system, officials said, will automatically forward submitted information to the bride’s parents and record timestamps to create a traceable digital trail. Authorities must complete formal intimation within ten days of application, according to the draft provisions.

The announcement comes amid growing social debate over interfaith and inter-community marriages, with some groups calling for stronger safeguards and others warning against measures they say could infringe on adult autonomy. Legal experts note that any final rules will need to align with constitutional protections on privacy and personal liberty.

The state administration has not specified when the amendments will be formally notified, but officials indicated that feedback from legislators and stakeholders will be reviewed before finalisation. If enacted, the changes would mark one of the most detailed state-level regulatory frameworks governing love marriage registrations in India.