Kerala to implement SC order on marriage registration

Thiruvananthapuram, July 17 (UNI) Kerala Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Vijayakumar today said in the State Assembly that the Government was committed to implementing the Supreme Court order, which makes registration of all marriages mandatory, irrespective of their religion.

Responding to questions from Mr P Jayarajan (CPM) and others, he said since the order protected the rights, dignity and freedom of women and children, the Government could not ignore the apex court's direction.

Though the Government could not do anything on the issue as the subject was under the preview of the Centre, it would take all possible steps to clear apprehensions and doubts of religious heads before implementing it in the state, he said.

Mr Vijayakumar said Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan had convened a meeting of all religious heads and organisations here on June 13 last to discuss the issue. As some of them had expressed dissatisfaction over the matter, but in principle, all agreed to bring the issue before the Centre again.

The minister said the new order would not affect the traditional marriage customs of any religion as the registration was to be made after the marriage.

UNI