Update Your Software To Meet Requirement Of Marriage Registration Via VC: Delhi High Court Grants Last Opportunity To GNCTD

The Delhi Government today informed the Delhi High Court that it is not in a position to allow registration of marriage via video conferencing as the software used by them for the said purpose does not permit the same.

Advocate Shobhana Takiar, appearing for the Respondent-authority stated on instructions that just like for Aadhar application one has to remain physically present and get their picture clicked by the system camera, marriage registration software is also designed on a similar format and hence, physical presence of couples cannot be waived.

The development comes on a petition filed by a NRI couple, seeking exemption from physical appearance for Marriage Registration. They claimed to have been married as long as back on 06.12.2001 and to be residents of USA.

Advocate Vibha Dutta Makhija, appearing for the petitioners, submitted that the couple has applied for their green card and must submit the required documents including the marriage registration certificate, which remains pending on account of State's inaction. She stated that the couple has made an online application for marriage registration under the Delhi (Compulsory Registration of Marriage Order, 2014) and has sought permission them to appear before the concerned authority through video conferencing.

"You look at the legal position. If it's permitted in law then your software has to be updated accordingly. If the software doesn't support, that is your problem," Justice Rekha Palli expressed.

She asked the concerned authorities to take requisite steps in this regard and by way of a last opportunity, granted three days' to file an affidavit. The matter has been kept for hearing on 6th September.

On the last date, Justice Palli had observed that registration of marriages through video conferencing has been permitted by Supreme Court in the case of State of Haryana v. Ami Ranjan and Others (2021).

Why Virtual Appearance For Marriage Registration Not Allowed Despite Supreme Court Orders?: Delhi High Court Asks Govt

Today, the Court expressed inclination to dispose of the matter at the earliest, and asked the opposing counsel to get positive instructions by the next date.

Case Title: Reena Chadha & Anr. v. GNCTD