If the cabinet approves the proposal of the law ministry, couples won’t have to mention their religions during marriage registration. This would also speed up the registration process as civic authorities would also be able to do it. The ministry has suggested that registration would become easier if a clause on marriage and registration is added to the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1969. This move will also benefit those opting for inert-faith marriages as they would be saved from being harassed.

But Sikh bodies have demanded for a registration under a separate law in case a Sikh marries outside his/her religion. Until now, in such a case, marriages were registered under the Hindu Marriage Act. Other religions, which until now had not objected getting marriages registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, might pitch in for a similar demand.

So do you think the ministry is right in diluting the registration process by altogether doing away with mentioning one’s religion?