Daily Current Affairs : 19-February-2024

The Law Commission’s 287th document has made crucial guidelines aimed at protecting Indian women who are married to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs). These women regularly face enormous challenges, especially when they are deserted by their spouses. To tackle these problems, the report proposes mandatory registration of marriages involving NRIs and OCIs.

Key Recommendations

The document offers several essential recommendations that aim to reinforce the legal framework around NRI and OCI marriages. Here are the main points:

Revisions to Existing Legislation

The document suggests updates to the pending Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident Indians Bill, 2019. This updated bill will also include OCIs, ensuring that they are subject to the same regulations as NRIs.

New Legal Provisions

The proposed changes include specific consequences for:

  • Failing to register a divorce
  • Neglecting maintenance and child support obligations
  • Not complying with legal procedures associated with marriage registration
Combating Fraudulent Marriages

These recommendations aim to prevent fraudulent marriages, providing legal protections for women who may be vulnerable to abandonment or exploitation by their spouses.

Additional Recommendations

The report goes further by suggesting amendments to the Passport Act of 1967. This amendment would require individuals to declare their marital status when applying for a passport. This step can help in maintaining transparency and accountability.

Furthermore, the report proposes the establishment of a separate division within the Ministry of Home Affairs or the Ministry of External Affairs. This division would be responsible for maintaining a registry specifically for marriages involving NRIs and OCIs.

Important Points:

  • Mandatory Registration of Marriages: The Law Commission proposes that marriages involving Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) must be registered.
  • Protection for Women: The recommendations aim to address challenges faced by Indian women deserted by their NRI or OCI spouses.

Key Recommendations

  • Revisions to Legislation:
    • Updates to the Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident Indians Bill, 2019, to include OCIs.
  • New Legal Provisions:
    • Specific penalties for:
      • Failing to register a divorce.
      • Neglecting maintenance and child support obligations.
      • Not complying with marriage registration procedures.
  • Combating Fraudulent Marriages:
    • Legal protections for women vulnerable to abandonment or exploitation.

Additional Recommendations

  • Amendments to Passport Act:
    • Requirement for individuals to declare marital status when applying for a passport.
  • Establishment of a Registry:
    • Creation of a separate division within the Ministry of Home Affairs or Ministry of External Affairs to maintain a registry for NRI and OCI marriages.

Why In News

The Law Commission’s 287th report proposes mandatory registration of marriages involving Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) to address the challenges faced by Indian women deserted by their NRI or OCI spouses, ensuring that these women have access to legal protections and support in the event of abandonment or exploitation.

MCQs about Addressing Challenges Faced by Indian Women in NRI Marriages

  1. What is the main purpose of the Law Commission’s 287th report?
    A. To promote international marriages
    B. To propose mandatory registration of NRI and OCI marriages
    C. To eliminate all marriages in India
    D. To increase the number of NRIs in India
    Correct Answer: B. To propose mandatory registration of NRI and OCI marriages
    Explanation: The report focuses on ensuring that marriages involving NRIs and OCIs are registered to protect Indian women from abandonment and exploitation.
  2. Which group of people is specifically mentioned in the report as needing legal protections?
    A. Indian citizens living abroad
    B. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
    C. Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs)
    D. Indian women married to NRIs and OCIs
    Correct Answer: D. Indian women married to NRIs and OCIs
    Explanation: The report aims to address the challenges faced by Indian women who are deserted by their NRI or OCI spouses, highlighting their need for legal protection.
  3. What new legal provision is suggested in the report?
    A. Mandatory divorce registration for all marriages
    B. Penalties for failing to register a divorce, maintenance, and child support
    C. A new law banning marriages between NRIs and OCIs
    D. Tax benefits for NRIs and OCIs
    Correct Answer: B. Penalties for failing to register a divorce, maintenance, and child support
    Explanation: The report recommends specific penalties for non-compliance with legal procedures related to marriage registration, including failing to register a divorce and neglecting maintenance obligations.
  4. What amendment does the report propose regarding the Passport Act of 1967?
    A. To require a background check for all passport applicants
    B. To mandate a declaration of marital status when applying for a passport
    C. To eliminate the need for passports for NRIs and OCIs
    D. To increase passport fees for married individuals
    Correct Answer: B. To mandate a declaration of marital status when applying for a passport
    Explanation: The report suggests that individuals should declare their marital status when applying for a passport to enhance transparency and accountability in marriage registrations.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading