Jammu, Oct 16
The Sikh Progressive Front has expressed serious concerns over the government’s failure to implement the Anand Marriage Act in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (JKUT), despite the official notification being issued nearly a year ago. Balvinder Singh stated that on November 30, 2023, the Department of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, JKUT, notified the rules for registering marriages under the Anand Marriage Act, with copies circulated to all the Financial Commissioners and Divisional Commissioners Jammu/ Kashmir, However, Sikh marriages in JKUT are still being registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, undermining the legislative purpose and the distinct cultural identity of the Sikh community.Balvinder Singh President of the Sikh Progressive Front, along with S Manjit Singh Gen Secretary, S Surinder Singh Wazir Vice President, S Rajinder Singh Sudan Joint Secretary, S Janak Singh, S Satinder Singh, S Ravinder Singh stressed that this continued oversight not only delays justice but disregards the constitutional recognition of Sikh traditions. “The delay in enforcement is unacceptable and undermines the very essence of the law,” he stated.
The Front has called on the Chief Registrar of Marriages and the Department of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs to immediately direct authorities to ensure the Anand Marriage Act is implemented without further delay. “The Sikh community demands urgent recognition of its legal identity through the proper application of the Act,” Singh emphasized.
The Sikh community remains optimistic that the authorities will act swiftly to address this pressing issue.
