Anand Marriage Act implemented in Jammu & Kashmir
‘Jammu and Kashmir Anand Marriage Registration Rules, 2023’ were framed for the registration of “Anand marriages”, under which tehsildars concerned shall be the registrar of such marriages within their respective territorial jurisdiction, as per a government notification issued.
The Jammu and Kashmir Sikh Coordination Committee (JKSCC) today welcomed the implementation of the Anand Marriage Act in the Union Territory of J&K.
In a press conference held on this matter, the AJKSCC stated that the implementation was made possible by virtue of SO 597, formalizing a long-pending demand of the Sikh community.
“The Anand Marriage Act was introduced in 2019, but it now stands effectively implemented through the enacted rules of SO 597,” said the Sikh leaders.
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Veteran Sikh leader Surinder Singh Channi and Advocate Bikram Singh attended the press briefing, expressing gratitude to LG Manoj Sinha for addressing and fulfilling the demand of the Sikh community.
Special recognition was given on the efforts of Mahant Manjeet Singh of Dera Nangali Sahib the religious leader who initiated the formation of the Sikh Coordination Committee.
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The Committee lauded the collective dedication and contributions of its members, thanking them for their vigorous pursuit that led to the fulfilment of the historic milestone for the Sikh community in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Ajit Singh, appointed as chairman, played a pivotal role, along with other committee members, in persistently advocating for this matter before the Government,” stated the JKSCC.
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His efforts were specifically highlighted during the briefing, acknowledging his role in raising and successfully resolving the community’s demands.
The press conference was also attended by key members, including Harjeet Singh Duke, Rajinder Singh (USF President), Satnam Singh (USF), Karandeep Singh, Bhupinder Singh, Ravinder Singh, Malkit Singh, and Akash Deep Singh.
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The emergence of the Anand Marriage Act dates back to 1909 when the British Imperial Legislative Council passed a legislation for the recognition of the Sikh wedding ceremony Anand Karaj. The Act aimed to acknowledge and respect the customs and practices of the community.
In 2012, the Parliament passed the Anand Marriage (Amendment) Bill, bringing Sikh traditional marriages under the purview of legal recognition.
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While the central government approved the amendments, it was left for individual states and Union territories to frame respective rules for the registration of Anand marriages.