New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has recently issued a landmark order mandating the city government to establish an online registration system specifically designed for Muslim marriages. This directive is aimed at addressing the longstanding issue of Muslim marriages not being officially recognized under the current registration system.
Justice Sanjeev Narula, presiding over the case, has emphasized the urgency of this matter and instructed the Delhi chief secretary to personally oversee the implementation of the online registration system. The court has set a strict timeline for compliance, underscoring the importance of expeditious action.
The impetus for this ruling stems from a petition filed by a couple who had solemnized their marriage under Islamic Sharia law. The couple encountered significant hurdles when attempting to register their marriage, as the existing system primarily caters to Hindu and Special Marriages. Due to the absence of a suitable option for Muslim marriages, the couple was forced to register their marriage under the Special Marriage Act, which is often seen as a less preferred choice for many Muslims.
Advocate M. Sufian Siddiqui, representing the petitioners, argued that the current system’s limitations effectively exclude Muslim marriages, thereby violating fundamental rights guaranteed by Articles 14, 21, and 25 of the Indian Constitution. He further contended that the absence of an alternative registration option under the Delhi (Compulsory Registration of Marriage) Order, 2014, imposes a statutory framework that conflicts with the religious beliefs and practices of Muslim couples.
This significant ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for the Muslim community in Delhi. By mandating an online registration system specifically for Muslim marriages, the court has taken a crucial step towards ensuring equal rights and recognition for all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
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