Mumbai, March 6 – The Maharashtra government has issued directives for the statewide implementation of the Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Act, simplifying the registration process for Sikh marriages. This move ensures that Sikh couples no longer need to petition municipal bodies individually, making marriage registration more efficient.
Historic Step for Sikh Community
The decision follows a representation submitted on February 6, 2025, by the Maharashtra State Punjabi Sahitya Academy and the Sikh Coordination Committee to the Minority Development Department. Responding swiftly, the department issued official directives on February 25, 2025, to all Departmental Commissioners, ensuring the seamless registration of Sikh marriages under the Anand Karaj Marriage Act.
Legal Recognition for Sikh Marriages
The Anand Karaj Marriage Act, originally passed in 1909, grants legal sanctity to the Sikh wedding ceremony. In 2012, the Parliament amended the Act, giving Sikh marriages formal recognition and allowing registration under this law instead of the Hindu Marriage Act. However, states were responsible for creating specific rules, which Maharashtra had framed in 2020 but had not implemented effectively until now.
Sikh leaders welcomed the move, stating that it respects their distinct religious identity and eliminates bureaucratic hurdles. Bal Malkit Singh, executive chairman of the Maharashtra State Punjabi Sahitya Academy, noted that despite earlier circulars, there was no practical implementation, forcing many Sikh couples to register under other laws.
Community Leaders Express Gratitude
Sikh representatives, including Jaspal Singh Sidhu and Puran Singh Banga, praised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Minority Development Department for addressing their long-standing demand. “This move ensures a streamlined and respectful registration process that acknowledges Sikh identity,” they stated.
With the new directives in place, Maharashtra becomes one of the few states to fully implement the Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Act, providing legal recognition and a hassle-free process for Sikh couples.
