1. The Law Commission proposes strict measures to prevent fraudulent marriages between NRIs and Indian citizens.
2. Recommendations call for compulsory registration of all NRI-Indian citizen marriages in India.
3. Proposed measures aim to curb deceptive practices and safeguard the interests of Indian spouses.
New Delhi, Feb 16: The Law Commission has put forth stringent measures aimed at preventing fraudulent marriages involving Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Indian citizens.
These recommendations, submitted to the Ministry of Law and Justice, propose mandatory registration of all marriages between NRIs/Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and Indian citizens within the country.
The commission, led by Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, highlights the alarming trend of deceptive marriages, particularly endangering Indian spouses, especially women.
According to the report, the increasing prevalence of fraudulent marriages has raised concerns regarding false assurances, misrepresentation, and abandonment within such unions.
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To address this issue, the commission advocates for the compulsory registration of NRI/OCI-Indian citizen marriages in India.
Additionally, the proposed law should encompass provisions regarding divorce, spousal maintenance, child custody, and the legal process for serving documents on NRIs and OCIs.
Furthermore, the commission suggests amending the Passports Act, of 1967, to mandate the declaration of marital status, linking spouses’ passports, and noting the marriage registration number on both passports.
This measure aims to enhance transparency and accountability within such unions and facilitate legal proceedings, if necessary.
In terms of legal jurisdiction, the panel recommends granting domestic courts authority to resolve disputes arising from NRI/OCI marriages.
By providing jurisdiction to local courts, the report emphasizes the importance of fair and just resolution within the country’s legal framework, safeguarding the rights and interests of all parties involved.
Moreover, the commission underscores the need for awareness campaigns targeting the Indian diaspora.
Engaging with community events and regular interactions with Indian communities and organizations can help educate NRIs and OCIs about the legal implications of marriage registration and their rights and responsibilities within such unions.
The proposed measures by the Law Commission aim to address the growing concern of fraudulent marriages involving NRIs and Indian citizens.
By implementing strict regulations and promoting awareness, the commission seeks to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly women, from exploitation and ensure fair and transparent legal processes within such unions.
