Pakistan Punjab province govt approves Sikh Marriage Act 2024; Hindu Marriage Act would soon be placed for Cabinet approval, informs Minority Affairs Minister Ramesh Singh Arora
Babushahi Bureau
Punjab (Pakistan), June 26, 2024: Pakistan’s Punjab province government approved the Sikh Marriage Act 2024. This will enable couples of 18 years and above from the community to register their marriage and divorce.
As quoted by Dawn, Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora briefed the cabinet that Punjab had become the first province in the world to implement the Sikh Marriage Act.
“Even in India, Sikhs have to get their marriages registered under the Hindu Act. In a few months, the Hindu Marriage Act would also be placed before the cabinet’s approval. Sikhs from other provinces and countries could come to Punjab for registration of their marriage," he was quoted as saying.
Under the new Sikh Marriage Act, the Sikh boy and girl should be at least 18 years of age, while a five-member Sangat will make recommendations on any issue between the bride and groom.
New rules for separation, divorce and other matrimonial issues have been framed.The couple seeking divorce shall be bound to send a written notice to the chairman. Both parties shall be required to provide a copy and within 30 days of receiving the notice, the chairman shall constitute a conciliation committee, if the couple fails within 90 days or if they still fail to reconcile, a certificate will be issued.