Gandhinagar: Amid growing demands for parental consent in cases of love marriages, the Gujarat government is set to amend rules related to the registration of elopement marriages. An official announcement is expected after the proposed changes receive Cabinet approval.

It is learnt that new rules concerning marriage registration may be presented at the Cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 17. Once cleared by the Cabinet, the state government will formally notify the revised provisions.

Reports indicate that under the proposed framework, marriages solemnised after elopement may not be registered without parental consent. In effect, parental approval could be made mandatory for the registration of love marriages in the state.

To facilitate parental involvement and consent, the government is considering several measures. Before registering an elopement marriage, a mandatory notice will be sent to the parents of the couple. Parents will be given 30 days to submit their response. Additionally, the marriage will be registered only at the office corresponding to the address mentioned on the woman’s Aadhaar card.

A crucial meeting between the Law Minister and legal experts is scheduled for this evening. During the meeting, the final draft of the proposed amendments to the marriage registration rules will be prepared. The draft is likely to be placed before the Cabinet the following day.

Officials say the proposed changes could have a significant impact on the process of love marriage registrations in Gujarat and aim to address concerns raised by various community groups in recent months.

Former minister Vallabh Kakadiya stated that parental consent, especially that of the mother, should be made mandatory in cases of elopement marriages. Organisations have also demanded amendments to the Hindu Marriage Act regarding registration. Earlier, Patidar agitation leaders had raised similar demands before the government. DeshGujarat