Clicks & Commitment: Karnataka's digital push is fuelling a surge in marriage registrations

Karnataka government on February 15 rolled out the facility for online registration of marriages

Thanks to the online application and registration facility for marriages, the number of marriage registrations in Karnataka has gone up.

Statistics sourced by Moneycontrol from the state revenue department revealed that the number of marriage registrations across the state has more than doubled, from 20,197 between February-June 2023, to 46,798 between February-June 2024.

During this period, a total of 41,895 Hindu marriage registrations were reported across the state, with around 44 percent — 18,276 registrations — being completed completely online without even visiting the sub-registrar's office.

On February 15, the Karnataka government rolled out the online registration facility for marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and also the online application process for marriages to be registered under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. The facility was launched on a pilot basis at the Malleswaram sub-registrar's office, and subsequently extended to all 257 sub-registrar offices across the state.

Also, read: Karnataka: Hindu marriage certificates now issued online with Aadhaar authentication

Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda said the idea was to make most of the processes available online, so that people will not need to visit government offices. "This will be hassle-free and also reduce crowding, red-tape, and corruption in government offices," he added.

He said the registration of marriages is extremely important, especially for women, in the event of marital disputes. "The online facility will increase the number of marriage registrations and safeguard women's rights. Since it is digital, the (marriage) certificate  can be easily stored and printouts can be taken in case of any marital dispute before the courts."

In February 2024, the Karnataka cabinet approved the Registration of Hindu Marriage (Karnataka) (Amendment) Rules, 2024. Despite a 2006 Supreme Court directive mandating compulsory marriage registration, according to the state government, only around 30 percent of the marriages in the state were being registered.  The government wants to increase marriage registrations with the help of the online facility.

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How to apply online

Officials said those opting for online registration under the Hindu Marriage Act can do the entire process from home after Aadhaar authentication. Those who do not want to opt for Aadhaar authentication can register their marriage by visiting the sub-registrar's office.

Those registering under the Special Marriage Act can register, submit documents, and pay online, but need to schedule an appointment at the sub-registrar's office for registration. Special Marriage Karnataka Rules, 1961, mandates a one-month notice of the marriage and the presence of both the bride and the groom before the sub-registrar.

Many have praised the Department of Stamps and Registration for launching the online facility. Rajeshwari Hegde wrote on X: "Thank you for making the marriage registration process in Karnataka online and hassle-free."

Thank you @IGRKarnataka @krishnabgowda for having made the Marriage registration process in Karnataka , Online and hassle free....#kaveri2 @nithinbhegde

— Rajeshwari Hegde (@RajeshwariHegd8) June 4, 2024

Officials said that most people register their marriages while adding the spouse's name to their passport or during the visa process, even though marriage registration is compulsory.

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