Hyderabad: The state government plans to enact an ordinance banning the unlawful marriage of foreign nationals with local girls. Those found violating the ordinance could face seven years’ imprisonment.
According to Syed Omer Jaleel, special secretary of the minority welfare department, the ordinance will eventually be converted into legislation. He says that as per the new rules, it will be mandatory for foreign nationals wishing to marry in India to obtain no objection certificates from their respective countries.
They will also have to provide proof of their economic status and give undertakings to the immigration authorities, promising to take care of their wives.
Foreigners who simply come to the country as tourists on visitors’ visas will not be granted permission to marry. Qazis will not be allowed to perform nikaah ceremonies without letters of permission from either the police commissioner of the district superintendent of police.
A clause which states that the age difference between the bride and the groom cannot be over ten years has also been included. The ordinance is being drafted in consultation with the law offcials, home and police departments. Suggestions have been invited from Muslim scholars as well.
