In a big move that has got everyone talking, the Gujarat government has come up with new rules for getting married. They say couples have to tell their parents about the marriage, or the government office will do it for them. This is to stop bad things like cheating in the name of love, especially what they call “love jihad”. But many people are worried if this goes against the rights of grown-ups to choose who they marry. Let’s look at what this means for people in Gujarat and why it’s causing so much debate.
The news came out on February 21, 2026, when Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi spoke in the state assembly. He said the old way of registering marriages was too simple and some bad people were using it to trick girls. Now, they want to change the Gujarat Registration of Marriages Act, 2006, to make things stricter. It’s not a law yet – they are asking for public views for 30 days before deciding.
This change is part of a bigger talk in India about love, marriage, and family. In many parts of the country, parents and communities have a big say in who gets married to whom. But the law says if you are an adult – 18 for girls and 21 for boys – you can decide for yourself. So, is Gujarat’s new rule okay? We will see the details, what people are saying, and what the courts have said before.
What Are the New Rules Exactly?
Under the proposed changes, getting a marriage certificate in Gujarat will not be quick anymore. Here is how it will work step by step.
First, the couple has to go to the Assistant Registrar’s office and fill out a form. In this form, they must say if they have told their parents about the marriage. They also have to give full details of both parents – like names, addresses, Aadhaar numbers, and phone numbers. If the couple has a wedding invitation card, called “Kankotri” in Gujarat, they might have to show that too.
If the Assistant Registrar thinks everything is fine, they will send a message to the parents within 10 working days. This message will go through WhatsApp or SMS, telling the parents about the marriage. This is to make sure parents know what is happening.
Then, there is a waiting time of 30 days. During this time, all the details – like photos from the wedding and names of witnesses – will be put on a special government website. This is to check if everything is real and no one is lying.
After 30 days, the papers go to the main Registrar in the district or taluka. If all is good, the marriage certificate comes out. The whole thing might take up to 40 days or more.
Harsh Sanghavi explained why they are doing this. He said, “There is no objection to love. But if some Salim posing as a Suresh traps a girl, we will not spare them.” He means if someone hides their real name or religion to fool a girl into marriage, the government wants to stop that. He also said, “Innocent girls are being trapped, and such practices are spreading like termites in society. The government can no longer ignore this issue.
“The government says this will protect families and keep marriage as a sacred thing in Indian culture. They are not against love marriages, but want to make sure no one is cheated.
But wait, is this about consent or just telling parents? The rules say the office will “notify” or “inform” the parents. It does not say parents have to agree or give permission. If parents say no, what happens? The rules do not say clearly. Some think this could lead to parents stopping the marriage or causing trouble.
Why Is the Government Doing This?
The main reason given is to fight “love jihad”. This is a word used by some people to say that men from one religion trick women from another religion into marriage to change their faith. The government says this is happening a lot in Gujarat, and they need strong rules to protect girls.
Harsh Sanghavi said in the assembly that “under the name of love jihad, a game is being played in the state” and they need a “strong armour” to stop it. He talked about cases where girls are “trapped” by men using fake names.
This is not new. In 2021, Gujarat made a law called the Gujarat Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Act to stop forced changes of religion through marriage. Other states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have similar laws. But this new rule is about all marriages, not just inter-religion ones.
The government also says many couples run away to get married without telling parents, and this causes family problems. By telling parents, they hope to bring peace and stop fights.
Even some opposition leaders agree. For example, AAP’s Isudan Gadhvi said it’s good to protect girls from being duped. Congress MP Geniben Thakor said young girls can make mistakes, so this rule is needed.
But is “love jihad” real? Some experts say it’s just a story made up to target certain communities, like Muslims. Social scientist Ghanshyam Shah said, “It violates the Constitution. Adults have full rights to decide. This takes us back to old times.”
What Are People Saying Against It?
Many people are angry about this. They say it’s wrong for the government to get into personal matters like marriage. If two adults want to marry, why tell parents? This could lead to honor killings or family violence, especially in inter-caste or inter-religion marriages.
Legal experts say this goes against the Constitution. Article 21 says everyone has the right to life and personal liberty. This includes choosing who to marry. The Supreme Court has said this many times.
For example, in the Hadiya case in 2018, a girl from Kerala named Akhila changed to Islam and married a Muslim man. Her father said it was love jihad and took her to court. The Supreme Court said no – she is an adult and can choose her faith and husband. The court said, “The right to marry a person of one’s choice is integral to Article 21 of the Constitution. Intimacies of marriage lie outside the control of the state.
“In another case, Lata Singh vs State of Uttar Pradesh in 2006, the court said families cannot stop adult marriages, even if they are inter-caste.
In 2021, the Supreme Court in Laxmibai Chandaragi B vs State of Karnataka said, “Consent of the family or community is not necessary for two adults to marry. The choice is part of dignity.
“Critics say the new rule is like the old Special Marriage Act, which has a notice period that lets people object. Courts have said those notices invade privacy.
Aishwarya Prakash and Khushbu Sharma wrote in Indian Express, “The state appears unwilling to fully respect even the rights attached to legal adulthood, particularly when such autonomy unsettles caste hierarchies or patriarchal control.
“They ask, “If the bride and groom agree, what is the role of parents or the judge?
“Online, people are sharing the Hadiya case to say the rule is wrong. One user said, “Adults have absolute autonomy over their person. Gujarat can’t change that.
“Even some lawyers say this could be challenged in court. If it becomes law, someone might go to the High Court or Supreme Court to stop it.
How Will This Affect People in Gujarat?
If this becomes law, it will change how marriages happen in Gujarat. Young couples who want to marry without family knowing will find it hard. They might go to other states to register.
For girls, it might be good if it stops cheating. But for many, it means more control from families. In India, many girls face pressure to marry within caste or religion. This rule could make it worse.
It might also slow down the process. Now, marriage certificates come fast. With 30 days wait, it could be a problem for people who need it for visas or jobs.
The government says all details on a portal will help check fakes. But what about privacy? Sharing Aadhaar and phones could lead to data leaks.
Gujarat would be the first state to do this for all marriages. If it works, other states might copy.
Background of Marriage Laws in India
Marriage in India is not simple. There are different laws for Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and others. The Special Marriage Act is for anyone, including inter-faith couples.
Registration is not always must, but it’s good for proof. In Gujarat, the 2006 Act made it compulsory.
In recent years, many states made anti-conversion laws. Uttar Pradesh’s 2020 law says inter-faith marriages need district magistrate approval if conversion is involved.
Gujarat’s 2021 law is similar. This new rule adds to that.
The Supreme Court has always said adult choice is important. In 2018, they said khap panchayats cannot stop marriages.
But some judges have said things that confuse. Like Justice B V Nagarathna asking why adults have physical relations before marriage. Critics say this shows old thinking.
What Experts and Leaders Say
Harsh Sanghavi: “Our government’s view is clear: if anyone tries to harm someone by posing as someone else, strict action will be taken. We are not against love but against those who defame love through deceit.
“Ghanshyam Shah: “This violates the Constitution. Adults have full decision-making rights. It takes society back to feudalism.
“Isudan Gadhvi (AAP): “Good step to protect from duping.
“Geniben Thakor (Congress): “Young girls can be prone to mistakes, so protection is necessary.
“Supreme Court in Hadiya case: “Choices on whether to marry and whom to marry lie outside the control of the state.”
Possible Legal Challenges
If the rule passes, it might not last long. Lawyers can argue it’s against Article 21.
Courts have struck down similar things. Like in 2021, Allahabad High Court said notice under Special Marriage Act is optional.
Gujarat High Court recently let a 16-year-old stay away from parents over a relationship. So, they value choice.
The rule might be seen as discrimination if it’s to target “love jihad”, which some say is anti-Muslim.
Impact on Society and Culture
In Gujarat, marriage is a family affair. Many follow arranged marriages. But young people want love marriages.
This rule might make families happier but youth sad. It could reduce elopements but increase court cases.
It shows how politics mixes with personal life. BJP governments in many states push such laws.
But India is changing. More education, jobs for women mean more freedom.
FAQs on Gujarat’s New Marriage Rules
What is the new parental notification rule in Gujarat?
The proposed rule says couples must declare if they informed parents about marriage. If not, the office tells them via SMS or WhatsApp. There is a 30-day wait before certificate.
Is parental consent really mandatory?
No, it’s notification, not consent. But if parents object, it might cause issues. The rules don’t say what happens then.
Why is the government introducing this?
To stop “love jihad” and fraud where men hide identity to trap girls. Also to involve families in marriages.
Is this against the Constitution?
Many say yes, because adults have right to choose partner without interference. Supreme Court cases like Hadiya support this.
When will this become law?
After 30-day public feedback ending March 2026. Then assembly will decide.
What if I don’t want to tell parents?
You have to give their details. The office will tell them anyway.
Does this apply to all marriages?
Yes, all under the Act, including love, arranged, inter-faith.
Can I register marriage in another state?
Yes, but if you live in Gujarat, you might need to follow local rules.
What about privacy?
Details go on portal, so there are concerns about data safety.
How to give feedback on the proposal?
Go to Health and Family Welfare Department website and submit views.