Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government is gearing up to introduce marriage certificates that will feature photographs of both the bride and groom. This major change is expected to roll out within the next few months, following local body elections.
This initiative aims to bolster the Gujarat Registration of Marriage Rules, 2006, and tackle issues surrounding fraudulent marriage certificates. Recent reports revealed alarming cases of fake documents being issued, particularly in Panchmahal district, where over 4,600 counterfeit certificates were found between 2024 and 2026.
“Marriage certificates are crucial for various government-related processes—think passports, property registration, legal inheritance,” said a government source. They noted that biometric features might also be integrated into these certificates down the line for added security.
The move comes after the state received significant public input earlier this year on proposed changes to marriage registration regulations. In February alone, officials collected responses from citizens regarding amendments such as parental notification and mandatory presence during registration. While some suggested stricter controls—like disinheriting children if parents oppose a marriage—others raised concerns about privacy rights and surveillance implications.
A notable aspect highlighted was the issuing of ‘Nikah certificates’ in areas devoid of any Muslim families. Such findings have underscored the urgent need for reform in how marriages are registered in Gujarat.