Gujarat is set to revolutionize its marriage registration process with stringent new requirements aimed at preventing fraudulent unions, particularly those linked to love jihad allegations. On February 20, 2026, Harsh Sanghvi, the state’s Deputy CM and Home Minister, tabled amendments to the 2006 Act in the legislative assembly.
Key provisions include a compulsory declaration from bride and groom confirming parental notification. Applicants must furnish comprehensive parental details: full names, residential addresses, Aadhaar IDs, and phone numbers. Post-submission, officials will reach out to parents through digital channels within 10 business days.
The timeline for certificate issuance stretches to 30-40 days to accommodate verifications and potential objections. A dedicated online portal will host all uploads, mandating Aadhaar-linked photos from witnesses as well.
Speaking in the house, Sanghvi framed the initiative as a bulwark for family values and women’s safety, decrying identity concealment in inter-religious weddings as a threat to societal fabric. He promised severe penalties for perpetrators. Public consultations will run for a month, amid a backdrop of troubling cases in Gujarat involving coerced relocations of women.
Neighboring Maharashtra is abuzz with parallel advocacy, citing deceptive marriages targeting Hindu women. As these rules take shape, they could set a precedent for nationwide reforms, prioritizing transparency and consent in matrimonial alliances.