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Friday, March 29

Dakshina Kannada prescribes documentation for temple weddings, compulsory

Dakshina Kannada prescribes documentation for temple weddings, compulsory


Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 25, 2016: Reports in the media indicate, a move that could prejudice young couples, the district administration has passed an order that one cannot get married in any temple if their parents are not ready to accept their wedding.

Dakshina Kannada administration decided to pass the decree after a bride’s parents hailing from Bengaluru alleged that their daughter was married off forcibly, without their consent or knowledge. The incident occurred a month ago at Shree Kshethra Rajarajeshwari Temple, Polali.

Harishchandra, executive officer of the temple, said that the bridegroom who is the son of a well-known hotelier in the city and the bride got married recently and the marriage was solemnized as per Hindu rituals. A marriage certificate as was normal was given after the ceremony, but later, the parents of the bride knocked the doors of the administration claiming that it was a forced marriage, he said. No police complaint was registered at the jurisdictional police station.

Taking the issue seriously, the administration has made it mandatory to obtain a formal consent letter from the parents of the prospective bride and groom before conducting a wedding. Kumar, additional deputy commissioner explained that apart from requisition letter, the prospective couple should also produce documents pertaining to their identity. Apart from it, an NOC,  no objection certificate from respective panchayats is a must to ascertain that bride or bridegroom is not involved in polygamy. Besides, the parties are also expected to submit age proof certificates. This will help in curbing child marriages. "Henceforth, it will be mandatory for all temples under the State Muzarai Department or Endowment Department to collect necessary documents to prevent such incidents," he added.

Earlier, there was no such documentation process followed in any of the temples. A retired temple executive director said that the temple hall and pooja services were offered to whosoever booked it, without doing any background check. After the marriage ceremony, the temple issued a certificate quoting that couple were married at the temple.

Kateel Shree Durgaparameshwari Temple which solemnises more than 200 marriages a day during season, has been following rules issued by the district administration from several years. "We never allow any marriage ceremony without checking the necessary documents," said Ravindranath Poonja, temple trustee.


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