SC Orders States, UTs to Register Sikh Marriages in 4 Months

Supreme Court Orders All States and UTs to Register Sikh Marriages Under Anand Marriage Act Within Four Months

Court says decades of delay have denied equal rights to Sikh couples; directs immediate registration under existing laws until rules are framed

Marriage certificates must mention ‘Anand Karaj’ if requested; Nodal officers to monitor compliance in every State and UT

By Our Legal Reporter

New Delhi, September 19, 2025:
In a landmark ruling aimed at ending decades of unequal treatment, the Supreme Court of India has directed 17 States and 5 Union Territories to frame and notify rules for the registration of Sikh marriages under the Anand Marriage Act, 1909 within four months.

The order, delivered by a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, addresses a long-standing gap in the implementation of the law, which was amended in 2012 to include Section 6—making it mandatory for States to create a registration mechanism for marriages solemnised through the Sikh religious ceremony of Anand Karaj.

Background: Anand Karaj and the Anand Marriage Act

The Anand Karaj—meaning “Blissful Union”—is the Sikh marriage ceremony performed in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib, the central scripture of Sikhism. The Anand Marriage Act, 1909 was enacted to recognise this ceremony as a valid form of marriage.

However, for over a century, the Act did not provide for registration. This changed in 2012, when Parliament amended the law to insert Section 6, requiring State governments to frame rules for registering such marriages. Despite this, many States and UTs have failed to comply, forcing Sikh couples to register under other laws such as the Hindu Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act.

The Petition and the Court’s Observations

The ruling came in response to a writ petition filed by Amanjot Singh Chadha, who highlighted the hardships faced by Sikh couples due to the absence of uniform rules. The petition argued that the lack of implementation created a “discriminatory patchwork”—where a Sikh couple’s ability to prove their marriage depended on their place of residence.

The Court agreed, stating:

“In a secular republic, the State must not turn a citizen’s faith into either a privilege or a handicap. When the law recognises Anand Karaj as a valid form of marriage yet leaves no machinery to register it, the promise is only half kept. What remains is to ensure that the route from rites to record is open, uniform and fair.”

The bench stressed that registration is crucial for securing rights related to inheritance, succession, maintenance, insurance, and spousal benefits, particularly safeguarding the interests of women and children.

Key Directions Issued by the Supreme Court

The Court issued time-bound directives to ensure immediate and uniform implementation:

Four-Month Deadline for Rules:
- All States and UTs that have not yet notified rules under Section 6 must do so within four months.
- Rules must be published in the Official Gazette and laid before the State Legislature.
Immediate Registration Under Existing Laws:
- Until rules are notified, Anand Karaj marriages must be registered under existing frameworks (such as the Special Marriage Act) without discrimination.
- If requested, the marriage certificate must explicitly mention that the marriage was solemnised through the Anand Karaj rite.
States with Existing Rules:
- States that have already framed rules must issue a clarificatory circular within three months, making procedures, fees, and required documents publicly available.
- No authority may demand duplicate registration under another law once registration under the Anand Marriage Act is granted.
Nodal Officers:
- Every State and UT must appoint a secretary-level Nodal Officer within two months to oversee compliance, issue administrative directions, and address grievances.
Union Government’s Role:
- The Union of India will act as the coordinating authority.
- Within two months, it must circulate model rules to States and UTs.
- Within six months, it must file a consolidated compliance report before the Court and publish it on the Ministry of Law and Justice website.
Special Directions for Goa and Sikkim:
- Given their unique legal frameworks, the Court issued specific interim measures and asked the Centre to consider extending the Anand Marriage Act to these States within four months.

Why This Matters

The Court’s ruling addresses a century-old gap in the legal recognition of Sikh marriages. While the Anand Marriage Act validated the religious ceremony, the absence of a registration mechanism left couples without official proof—affecting their ability to claim legal rights.

The judgment also reinforces the principle that religious identity should not determine access to civil rights. By mandating uniform rules, the Court aims to eliminate the postcode lottery that has disadvantaged Sikh citizens in certain parts of the country.

Impact on Sikh Community and Legal System

For the Sikh community, this ruling is a major victory. It ensures that marriages performed through Anand Karaj will be recognised and recorded on par with other marriages, providing legal certainty and protection.

For the legal system, the judgment sets a precedent for strict enforcement of statutory duties by States, especially in matters affecting fundamental rights and equality.

Expert Reactions

Legal experts have welcomed the decision as a progressive step towards ensuring equality before the law. They note that the Court’s emphasis on administrative efficiency—through deadlines, nodal officers, and public disclosure—could serve as a model for implementing other under-enforced laws.

Community leaders have also expressed relief, saying the ruling will reduce bureaucratic hurdles and protect vulnerable spouses, especially women, from legal uncertainties.

The Road Ahead

The next four months will be critical. States and UTs must not only frame rules but also ensure that registration offices are equipped to handle applications promptly. Public awareness campaigns may also be needed so that Sikh couples know their rights under the Act.

The Union Government’s role as a coordinator will be closely watched, as will the Supreme Court’s follow-up on compliance reports.