UP Government Makes It Harder for Out-of-Town Couples to Register Marriages
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The Uttar Pradesh government has announced new rules that make it harder for couples from outside a city to register their marriage there. This decision follows an interim order by the Allahabad High Court.
What Has Changed?
Earlier, couples could register their marriage in any city where the wedding was held—even if they didn’t live there. But under the new rule, a marriage can only be registered in a city if either the bride, groom, or their parents live there as regular residents. This means you can no longer just pick any city for registration.
Why These New Rules?
On May 12, 2025, the Allahabad High Court raised concerns over fake marriages being registered with false documents. It took action after learning about agents and touts operating as a fake marriage syndicate. These people reportedly helped couples register marriages using forged papers.
To stop such practices, the court asked the UP government to change the Uttar Pradesh Marriage Registration Rules, 2017. The government now has six months to update the rules officially. Until then, the High Court’s instructions must be followed strictly.
What Are the New Requirements?
Based on a report in Times of India, all marriage registration officials (deputy registrars) have been told to follow new steps, which include:
- Aadhaar-based identity verification of the bride and groom
- Biometric data and photographs of both parties and two witnesses
- Age verification using government-approved sources like DigiLocker, CBSE, UP Board, CISCE CRS, Passport, PAN card, and Driving Licence
Also, as reported by Hindustan Times:
- Unregistered rental agreements will no longer be accepted as proof of address
- The person who solemnized (conducted) the marriage must be physically present at the time of registration
- That person must also submit a sworn affidavit confirming their role
Why Ghaziabad Was in Focus?
The new rules come partly because of repeated cases in Ghaziabad, where couples from outside the city—often those who had eloped or faced family pressure—were registering their marriages there. Many of them also approached the High Court asking for protection from their families. Authorities say this led to jurisdiction issues and legal confusion.
What Happens Next?
The High Court’s instructions are temporary until the state government formally amends the rules. The principal secretary of the Women and Child Development Department and the Inspector General of the Stamps and Registration Department have been asked to complete the rule changes within six months.
For now, officials are required to follow the High Court’s orders immediately.
Concerns About Social Impact
Some legal experts are worried about the intention behind the rule change. Lawyers believe that the move might make it even harder for couples from different castes or religions to get legally married. He suggests the rules could discourage inter-caste or inter-faith marriages.
This concern isn’t new. In 2020, the UP government passed a law aimed at preventing religious conversions for marriage—known by critics as the “love jihad” law. That law has already made marriage under the Special Marriage Act more difficult for interfaith couples in the state.
