Imagine if two grown-up people decide to get married, but the government says they must first prove they told their parents. That’s what the Gujarat government is thinking of doing by changing its marriage registration rules.

The proposal says that a married couple must give a written statement saying their parents were “informed” about the marriage. Even if it doesn’t say parents must approve, this rule could let parents interfere and even try to block the marriage registration.

In India, adults have the legal right to marry whoever they choose. This right is protected by the Constitution under Article 21, which protects personal liberty — the freedom to live your life and make your own choices. So any rule that makes it harder for adults to marry could go against the Constitution.

Marriage registration is very important. Even though a marriage is still valid without registration, couples need a marriage certificate for many official things — like passports, visas, bank accounts, inheritance papers, and government records. Without registration, life becomes very difficult.

The reason given for this proposal is that some community groups are worried because “girls are running away” to marry someone of their choice. But when a woman chooses her partner, that is her legal right. Calling this wrong or dishonourable is an old-fashioned idea that lawmakers should challenge — not support.

Some people especially object to “love marriages,” which usually means marriages outside caste or community lines. But inter-caste and inter-faith marriages are actually very few in number across India. And even if they were more common, that wouldn’t change the basic fact: adults have the right to choose their life partner.

If this rule is allowed, it could lead to harassment of married couples by officials or families. The government’s job is to protect citizens’ rights — not make rules that restrict them.

That’s why this proposal should be withdrawn. Adults should be free to marry, register their marriage, and live peacefully — without unnecessary obstacles.

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