• BIG! All Marriages between NRIs, OCIs & Indian citizens must be registered in India: Law Commission

    National
    BIG! All Marriages between NRIs, OCIs & Indian citizens must be registered in India: Law Commission

    "It is further recommended that all marriages between the NRIs/OCIs and Indian citizens should be made compulsorily registered in India," the report stated



    Digital Desk: In order to prevent practices such as false assurances, deception, and abandonment, the Law Commission recommended on Friday that all weddings between NRIs and Indian nationals be had to be registered in India.


    In a report submitted to the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Law Commission, headed by Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, said, "The rising occurrence of fraudulent marriages involving NRIs marrying Indian partners is a worrisome trend. Several reports highlight an increasing pattern where these marriages turn out to be deceptive, putting Indian spouses, especially women, in precarious situations."


    "It is further recommended that all marriages between the NRIs/OCIs and Indian citizens should be made compulsorily registered in India," the report stated


    The group has advised that the new law should also include measures regarding divorce, maintenance of the spouse, child custody and maintenance, and serving judicial documents, warrants, or summonses on NRIs and OCIs. 


    The law panel has also advised that necessary changes be made to the Passports Act, 1967 to compel the disclosure of marital status, the linking of one spouse's passport with the other, and the inclusion of the marriage registration number on each spouse's passport.


    It was also suggested that domestic courts should have the authority to hear cases involving these kinds of marriages and resolve their disputes. "Issues arising from such unions shall be brought before and resolved by domestic courts." In order to secure a fair and just resolution of issues, disagreements within these kinds of marriages frequently require the involvement of the local legal system," the panel's report said. 


    "Granting jurisdiction to domestic courts ensures that matters pertaining to NRI/OCI marriages can be effectively adjudicated within the framework of the country's legal procedures, considering the applicable laws and safeguarding the rights and interests of the involved parties," said the report.


    The panel also recommended that the government hold regular interactions with Indian groups and organizations and host community activities as a means of raising awareness among the Indian diaspora.