Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government is planning to introduce marriage certificates featuring photographs of both the bride and groom, with the proposal likely to be notified in the coming months after the conclusion of local body elections. The initiative, a first for the state, is part of efforts to tighten the Gujarat Registration of Marriage Rules, 2006.

Earlier in February, the government had proposed amendments to the rules, including provisions for informing parents of the couple, and invited public feedback. A total of 127 responses were received from citizens and institutions.

The move to include photographs comes in the wake of several fraud cases involving fake marriage certificates, particularly in districts such as Panchmahals. As per reports, over 4,600 bogus certificates were issued in the district between 2024 and 2026. In some instances, ‘Nikah certificates’ were allegedly issued in villages where no members of the concerned community resided. DeshGujarat