Mumbai: Following changes in Gujarat’s marriage registration rules, the issue has now reached Maharashtra. Senior BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has demanded that the state amend its marriage registration laws to prevent incidents of so-called “Love Jihad.” Somaiya sent a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging the government to adopt measures similar to those introduced in Gujarat.
In Gujarat, the state government led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has made it mandatory for parents to be involved in the marriage registration process. Essentially, two adults can register their marriage only with parental consent. This move aims to prevent fraudulent marriages and curb “Love Jihad.” On Friday, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi informed the state assembly under Rule 44 about the government’s decision.
Somaiya’s Letter to the CM
In his letter, Somaiya emphasized the need to amend existing laws and rules to protect girls in cases of “Love Jihad.” He specifically called for mandatory parental notification for interfaith marriages. Somaiya wrote that the Gujarat government had initiated rules to protect girls in such cases.
He further stated that in several instances over the past few years, Muslim boys have allegedly lured girls aged 14 to 18 with parental support. Once these girls turn 18, they are taken to other states such as Uttar Pradesh, including Azamgarh, for marriage. Somaiya noted that Maharashtra has witnessed several similar incidents where Hindu girls were allegedly deceived.
“Gujarat has introduced measures to provide protection to such girls, ensuring parents are informed before marriage registration,” Somaiya wrote. “I urge the Maharashtra government to consider similar rules to safeguard young Hindu girls.”
Kirit Somaiya has long been vocal against “Love Jihad” in Maharashtra and continues to advocate for stricter preventive measures.
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