By IANS
New Delhi : All new marriages conducted in Delhi should be registered and those not registering their marriage could face jail terms upto one year – according to provisions of a new bill the city government is bringing in.
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Tuesday said her government has finalised the ‘Delhi Registration of Marriages Bill, 2007’ with a provision to penalise those who did not register their marriages.
“Failure to apply for registration of a marriage shall invite penalty of imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, and shall also be liable to fine,” Dikshit said.
The cabinet has finalised the draft bill and it will be moved in the state assembly very soon, she said.
The bill provides for compulsory registration of all new marriages solemnized in Delhi. After becoming an act, it would help prevent cases of child marriage, bigamy or polygamy.
It will also help women exercise their right of maintenance from the husband and custody of children and enable widows to claim inheritance, Dikshit explained.
A registrar general of marriages for Delhi would be appointed by the government, who would act as the Chief Executive Authority for executing provisions of the act.
Delhi, the national capital, is home to over 1.5 million people and every year thousands of marriages are solemnised.