Registration of Marriage of NRI Bill, 2019

• 14 Feb 2019

The Union Cabinet has approved the introduction of Registration of Marriage of Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Bill, 2019.

• The Bill proposes to offer greater protection to Indian women married to NRIs and serve as a deterrent to NRIs against harassment of their spouses. This would provide much-needed relief to all Indian women married to NRIs worldwide.
• The introduction of the Bill was necessitated by the Ministry of External Affairs due to numerous complaints received from Indian nationals mostly women deserted or harassed by their Non-Resident Indian Spouses.

Provisions in the Bill

• The bill envisages:
  • Registration of Marriages by Non-Resident Indians
    • The bill provides for compulsory registration of marriage within thirty days of marriage if marriage has taken place or solemnized in India or at Indian mission or consulates if marriage has taken place or solemnized abroad.
  • Amendment of the Passports Act 1967
    • This amendment would empower the Passport Authority to impound or revoke the passport of NRI if it is brought to his notice that the NRI has not registered his marriage within 30 days from the date of marriage.
  • Amendment to the Code of Criminal Procedure 1973.
    • This amendment empowers the Courts for the issuance of summons, warrants.
    • It also provides provisions for attachment of properties belonging to the NRI, if he does not appear before the Court and is declared as Proclaimed Offender by the Court.