Special Marriage Act for Sikhs in offing

Union Law Minister H R Bhardwaj has said the Government plans to bring in a Special Marriage Act for Sikhs soon. Replying to supplementary questions in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, Bhardwaj said the Government had taken note of demands in this regard from various Sikh organisations and “there should not be a problem” in introducing such an act. “Considering the long standing demand of the Sikh community, we will bring it soon,” he added.

Replying to another question, Bhardwaj said the Government had no plans to make registration of Hindu Marriages compulsory under the law. He said the Supreme Court had directed that marriage of all persons should be registered compulsorily in their respective states and the “matter is being carefully examined in its full ramifications.” Bhardwaj said the Centre was studying the matter and would not like to rush things.

Bhardwaj added that around 1,300 cases were pending against sitting MPs and MLAs in various courts as on March 31, 2007 and the CBI was investigating 65 such cases.

He also said that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice is examining a set of proposals for electoral reforms sent by the Election Commission.