ISLAMABAD: The landmark Hindu Marriage Bill, 2017, has finally been passed in the Pakistan Parliament, regulating marriages of the minority community in the country. After a lengthy process of enactment, the law was finally passed, giving Hindus in the country an exclusive personal law to regulate marriages.
This was the second time that the National Assembly passed the bill. It was passed in September last year, but had to be passed again as its version of bill was changed by the Senate when it adopted the bill in February. Rules dictate, the same text should be passed by the two Houses of Parliament before it is sent to the President for his signatures and promulgation for implementation. The final approved text includes the Shadi Parath- a document similar to the 'Nikahnama' in Muslims. The Shadi Parath will be required to be signed by a pundit, and will be registered with the relevant government department.
The simple document has eight columns including the date of marriage, and followed by the name of the union council, tehsil, town, and district. It has columns for particulars of the bridegroom - his name and father's name, date of birth, date and place where the marriage is solemnised, temporary address, etc. It also contains the matrimonial status - single, married, divorced, widower and the number of dependents. Similar details are required for the bride, except for one change. Her mother's must also to be written in the document. Both the bride and the groom have to sign the document along with one witness and the registrar. The Hindu marriage bill will help Hindu women to get documentary proof of their marriage.
