LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: The Punjab Cabinet has approved the Punjab Sikh Marriage Act, which has now become law. This development has received widespread coverage in the Indian media, highlighting the freedom for Sikhs in Pakistani Punjab to register their marriages under the Sikh Marriage Act, allowing them to exercise their religious rights.
The act allows Sikh couples aged 18 and above to register their marriages and divorces.
The Punjab Cabinet, led by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, approved the Punjab Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Registrar and Marriage Rules 2024 in a meeting held on Tuesday.
Punjab’s first Sikh Minister for Minorities and Human Rights, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, declared it a historic day for Sikhs, commenting: “Punjab has become the first province in the world to implement the Sikh Marriage Act.”
From now on, Sikhs from other provinces and countries can come to Punjab to register their marriages.
Arora’s efforts to get the Sikh Act approved began in 2017, but the change of government delayed the process.
Punjab Minority Affairs Minister Ramesh Singh Arora held a press conference on Wednesday, explaining the provincial government’s dedication to supporting minority communities. Arora emphasized several key initiatives and achievements, underscoring the Punjab government’s proactive stance on minority rights.
“After taking the oath, the Chief Minister of Punjab had said that minorities are the crown of my head,” remarked Ramesh Singh Arora.
He praised the Chief Minister for attending programs of various minority communities, including the Baisakhi celebration, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and respect.
Arora announced the historic passage of the Sikh Marriage Act in the Provincial Cabinet, a significant step forward for the Sikh community.
“The Sikh Marriage Act has become law,” he stated, expressing gratitude to the Provincial Cabinet and the Chief Minister for their support.
Meanwhile, the Indian media has extensively covered this development, with discussions across India portraying Pakistan as a minority-friendly nation. “It is being talked about all over India that Pakistan is minority friendly,” noted Arora.
Arora mentioned ongoing work on the Sikh Personal Laws and the Hindu Marriage Act. “We are going to make such rules to provide a good life to minorities,” he said, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment for all minority communities.
Arora also shared plans to open various Gurdwaras and temples across Punjab, reflecting a commitment to preserving and promoting religious heritage.
He said the PML-N-led Punjab government accomplished more in three months than previous administrations did in five years.
Arora reiterated his dedication to reducing the inferiority complex among minorities and ensuring their rights are upheld. “Let the world see how much Pakistan has done,” he said, inviting global recognition of Pakistan’s efforts to support its minority communities.
Punjab Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Registrar and Marriage Rules
Under the Sikh Marriage Act, Sikh boys and girls must be at least 18 years old, and a five-member Sangat will make recommendations on any issues between the bride and groom. The union council chairman should be selected from the bride’s council.
Divorce Under the Sikh Act
As per the Act, a couple seeking divorce must send a written notice to the chairman. Both parties are required to provide a copy of the notice, and within thirty days of receiving it, the chairman shall constitute a conciliation committee. If the couple fails to reconcile within 90 days, a certificate will be issued.
Several legal issues, including the distribution of inherited assets, arise due to the non-registration of marriages in the Sikh community of Pakistan.
