Karnataka: Hindu marriage certificates now issued online with Aadhaar authentication

Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda launched the online facility at Malleswaram sub-registrar office in Bengaluru on February 15

In an attempt to increase marriage registrations and reduce hassle for applicants, Karnataka has launched the online registration facility for marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who launched the facility at Malleswaram sub-registrar office in Bengaluru on February 15, said, "Now, one doesn't have to visit the sub-registrar's office to register their marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act. A certificate can be generated at home by providing a wedding invitation, video, and Aadhaar authentication. This is another step towards transparency and service delivery."

The state also rolled out and online application process for marriages to be registered under the Special Marriage Act, 1954

However, offline registration at the sub-registrar’s office will continue for those unwilling to provide Aadhaar authentication. This option is also not available for those opting for a registered marriage under the Special Marriage Karnataka Rules, 1961, as it requires a one-month notice and the presence of both the bride and groom before the sub-registrar.

Now one doesn't have to visit the sub-registrar's office for registering their marriage under Hindu Marriage Act. A cerificate is generated at the comfort of home by providing wedding invite,video, Aadhaar. One more step towards transparency and service delivery. #revenue#gok… pic.twitter.com/a233SlXO9l

Related Stories

• Research or spying? Seagull with Chinese GPS tracker found near naval base in Karnataka
• Karnataka: Chinese GPS tracker found on seagull near Karwar Coast
• Karnataka plans biometric inmate tracking and cashless canteens in prisons

— Krishna Byre Gowda (@krishnabgowda) February 15, 2024

Officials said this online registration facility is being piloted at the Malleswaram sub-registrar office and will soon be extended to other parts of the state by month-end. Citizens can avail the service by logging into the portal (kaveri.karnataka.gov.in). On Thursday, two marriage registrations were conducted online as per the schedule.

Meanwhile, BJP leader and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya praised the move, stating, "Lakhs of marriages go unregistered due to the hassle of visiting the government office for a certificate. Welcome move by Shri @krishnabgowda for making the marriage registration process digital & citizen-friendly, enabling newlyweds to receive a certificate at the comfort of their home," as he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Lakhs of marriages go unregistered due to the hassle of visiting govt office for a certificate. Welcome move by Shri @krishnabgowda for making the marriage registration process digital & citizen friendly, enabling newly weds receive certificate at comfort of their home. https://t.co/9xggMA0HVy

— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) February 15, 2024

On February 1, the Karnataka cabinet approved amendments to the Hindu Marriage Registration Act to simplify the process by facilitating it online and mitigate risks of identity impersonation and fraudulent registrations. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced these reforms in the 2023-24 budget.

Despite a 2006 Supreme Court directive mandating compulsory marriage registration, according to the state government, only around 30 percent of marriages in the state are currently being registered.