Days before registration of marriage becomes compulsory in the Capital, the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has written to Delhi Lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung, expressing its opposition to the proposed move, which also includes provisions for imposing heavy fine on defaulters. Reminding Mr. Jung that Muslims already have a “proper mechanism” for registration of marriages, the Board termed the move “unnecessary” and said “the records of Muslim marriages are maintained by the Imams appointed by the AIMPLB, respective State Wakf Boards and religious trusts”.
The convener of AIMPLB’s committee on compulsory marriage registration, Dr. Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, was reported as saying: “In principle, the Board is not averse to registration of marriages. In fact, it had supported the suggestion, way back in 1981, because it will safeguard rights of women and make the necessary records available.” Terming the proposed policy decision of the Delhi Government “improper”, Dr. Ilyas argued that making registration of marriages compulsory will amount to making it a precondition for marriage which will in turn be an “interference” with the Muslim Personal Law.