TNN

New Delhi, Jul 24: The Supreme Court on Monday July 23, held that states must take steps to register all marriages in all communities. The order can annoy those among Muslims who insist that such legal requirements infringe their right to be governed by their personal laws in matters of marriage, divorce and inheritance.

The order came after amicus curiae Ranjit Kumar pointed out to a bench comprising Justices Arijit Pasayat and L S Panta that a majority of the states and Union Territories have not followed the apex court’s February 2006 order to frame rules for compulsory registration of marriages in all communities.

The amicus curiae said that rules have been framed for the Hindu community alone, leaving out other religions. Reiterating its February 14, 2006, order, the court said, "We are of the view that marriages of all Indian citizens, irrespective of their religion, shall be compulsorily registered in the state within whose territorial jurisdiction it was solemnised." Counsels for only two governments, West Bengal and Orissa, disputed the assertion that the top court’s order was not being followed.

The bench also asked the states to explain in six weeks the reason for their non-compliance.