‘Don’t rush for NRI marriages’

With problems in NRI marriages on the rise, Government expressed confidence that India joining the Hague Conference on private laws will provide it the legal teeth to act against cheating husbands.

With problems in NRI marriages on the rise, Government on Wednesday expressed confidence that India joining the Hague Conference on private laws will provide it the legal teeth to act against cheating husbands.

Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said at present Indian laws cannot reach citizens of other countries and this is proving to be a stumbling block in acting against those NRI husbands duping or abandoning their wives.

He said the country has approached the Hague Conference on private international law to join it as the grouping’s 65 members have obligations to act as far as civil law is concerned.

Story continues below this ad

The Union Cabinet had earlier this year given approval for India’s membership to the Hague Conference, an inter- governmental organisation that works towards the unification of rules of private international law.

The Government is of the view that the issues dealt by the 65-member organisation are of great relevance to India in view of its large diaspora, increasing trade relations and international travel by Indians.

Ravi said his ministry has already launched a publicity campaign to create awareness among people about NRI marriages besides giving funds to victims to seek legal advise.

He also had a piece of advise — “Don’t rush for an NRI marriage. Understanding the problems.”