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The government of Punjab province in Pakistan approved the Sikh Marriage Act, 2024, on Tuesday. This new law allows Sikh couples aged 18 and above to register their marriages and divorces. The approval came during a provincial cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The act introduces the Punjab Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Registrar and Marriage Rules, 2024.

Punjab’s first Sikh minister for minorities and human rights, Ramesh Singh Arora, hailed the approval as a historic day for Sikhs. He mentioned that Sikhs from other provinces and even other countries can now come to Punjab to register their marriages. Arora has been working towards this goal since 2017. He also noted that the Punjab government is planning to introduce the Hindu Marriage Act for approval in the coming months.

Key provisions and impact

Under the Sikh Marriage Act, both the bride and groom must be at least 18 years old. A five-member sangat (community council) will provide recommendations on any issues between the couple. The chairman of the union council, selected from the bride’s council, will oversee the process.

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For couples seeking a divorce, they must send a written notice to the chairman. Within 30 days of receiving this notice, the chairman will form a conciliation committee. If the couple fails to reconcile within 90 days, a certificate of divorce will be issued. This process aims to address legal issues such as the distribution of inherited assets, which have arisen due to the non-registration of marriages.

Arora also highlighted the government’s efforts to revise the school syllabus, removing hate material and promoting interfaith harmony. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of fostering diversity and understanding within the community.

Overall, the approval of the Sikh Marriage Act marks a significant step forward for the rights and recognition of Sikh marriages in Punjab, Pakistan.

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