Daily Current Affairs : 10-July-2024

The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) lately took an important step to discuss the implementation and registration of Sikh marriages under the Anand Marriage Act. This initiative involved discussions with 18 States and Union Territories (UTs) across India. The goal was to ensure that Sikh marriages could be legally recognized under their own specific law, rather than being covered by the Hindu Marriage Act.

What is the Anand Marriage Act?

The Anand Marriage Act is a unique law created to allow Sikhs to register their marriages under their own religious customs. Unlike other communities, Sikhs follow a distinct marriage ceremony called Anand Karaj, which is different from the rituals followed in Hindu marriages. The Anand Marriage Act provides legal recognition to this traditional wedding ceremony, ensuring that Sikh marriages are officially registered and protected by law.

Key points about the Anand Marriage Act:

  • It is specifically designed for Sikhs.
  • It recognizes the Anand Karaj as the official Sikh marriage ceremony.
  • It provides legal recognition and protection to Sikh marriages.

Current Status of Implementation

The discussions led by the National Commission for Minorities revealed the progress of the Anand Marriage Act’s implementation across different States and UTs. Here’s how different regions are responding:

  • Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Meghalaya: These States have already implemented the Anand Marriage Act and are registering Sikh marriages under this law.
  • Other States and UTs: The remaining States and UTs have promised to implement the Act within two months, ensuring that more Sikhs across India will be able to register their marriages according to their religious customs.

Importance of the Anand Marriage Act

The introduction of this Act is an important step for the Sikh community in India. It ensures that Sikh marriages are legally valid and protected under their own religious traditions, providing a sense of identity and justice to Sikh couples. It also helps in resolving any legal issues related to the marriage, such as inheritance, divorce, and maintenance.

Important Points:

  • Anand Marriage Act allows Sikhs to register their marriages under their own religious customs.
  • The Act recognizes the Anand Karaj as the official Sikh marriage ceremony.
  • It ensures legal recognition and protection for Sikh marriages.
  • The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) initiated discussions with 18 States/UTs to implement the Act.
  • Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Meghalaya have already implemented the Act.
  • Other States and UTs have committed to implementing the Act within two months.
  • The Act provides legal validity to Sikh marriages, resolving issues like inheritance, divorce, and maintenance.
  • The government’s aim is to allow Sikhs and other communities to follow their customs within a legal framework.

Why In News

The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) took the initiative to engage in discussions with 18 States and Union Territories (UTs) about the implementation and registration of Sikh marriages under the Anand Marriage Act, aiming to ensure legal recognition and protection for Sikh marital traditions across India.

MCQs about Anand Marriage Act in India

  1. What is the primary purpose of the Anand Marriage Act?
    A. To allow Hindus to register their marriages
    B. To provide legal recognition for Sikh marriages under their religious customs
    C. To unify marriage laws for all religious communities
    D. To regulate divorce cases in India
    Correct Answer: B. To provide legal recognition for Sikh marriages under their religious customs
    Explanation: The Anand Marriage Act specifically provides legal recognition to Sikh marriages, ensuring that Sikh couples can register their marriages according to their religious customs, particularly the Anand Karaj ceremony.
  2. Which of the following States has already implemented the Anand Marriage Act?
    A. Uttar Pradesh
    B. Maharashtra
    C. Tamil Nadu
    D. Rajasthan
    Correct Answer: B. Maharashtra
    Explanation: Maharashtra, along with Jharkhand and Meghalaya, has already implemented the Anand Marriage Act and started registering Sikh marriages under this law.
  3. What does the Anand Marriage Act recognize as the official Sikh marriage ceremony?
    A. Wedding Reception
    B. Anand Karaj
    C. Vedic Rituals
    D. Civil Ceremony
    Correct Answer: B. Anand Karaj
    Explanation: The Anand Marriage Act recognizes Anand Karaj as the official Sikh marriage ceremony, differentiating it from other religious marriage customs like those in Hinduism.
  4. What is the commitment made by the remaining States and Union Territories regarding the Anand Marriage Act?
    A. They will implement it within six months.
    B. They have already implemented it.
    C. They will implement it within two months.
    D. They have no plans to implement it.
    Correct Answer: C. They will implement it within two months.
    Explanation: The remaining States and Union Territories that have not yet implemented the Anand Marriage Act have committed to doing so within two months, ensuring nationwide coverage for Sikh marriage registration.

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