Karnataka has introduced an online registration facility for marriages governed by the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. This initiative, launched by Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda at the Malleswaram sub-registrar office in Bengaluru on February 15th.

Full Story: 

The online registration process, a step towards modernization, eliminates the need for couples to physically visit the sub-registrar’s office. Minister Krishna Byre Gowda explained that applicants can now generate their marriage certificates by submitting a wedding invitation, video, and completing Aadhaar authentication. This user-friendly approach is expected to encourage more couples to register their marriages, reducing the hassle associated with the traditional offline process.

Furthermore, the state has extended the online application process to marriages falling under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. For those reluctant to provide Aadhaar authentication, the option of offline registration at the sub-registrar’s office remains available. However, it’s worth noting that this choice is not applicable for couples opting for a registered marriage under the Special Marriage Karnataka Rules, 1961, as it mandates a one-month notice and the physical presence of both the bride and groom before the sub-registrar.

Source: Moneycontrol

The online registration facility is currently undergoing a pilot phase at the Malleswaram sub-registrar office. Officials have confirmed plans to extend the service to other parts of the state by the end of the month. Citizens can access the online registration portal at kaveri.karnataka.gov.in. Notably, two successful marriage registrations were conducted online as per the scheduled launch.

Commending the initiative, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya expressed his support on social media. He acknowledged the common challenges faced by couples in the traditional registration process and applauded the move to make marriage registration digital and citizen-friendly. Surya emphasized the convenience of obtaining a marriage certificate at home and recognized it as a positive step to address the issue of unregistered marriages.

Source: Times of India

The roots of this reform can be traced back to February 1 when the Karnataka cabinet approved amendments to the Hindu Marriage Registration Act. These amendments, aimed at simplifying the registration process, were a response to the 2006 Supreme Court directive mandating compulsory marriage registration. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced these reforms as part of the 2023-24 budget.

Despite the Supreme Court directive, the state government reports that only around 30 percent of marriages in Karnataka are currently being registered.