Candidates asked to produce marriage certificate for filing of nominations

This also came after the state government had also passed Meghalaya Compulsory Registration of Marriage Rules, 2016 for effective implementation of the Act, 2012 in the state.

In a petition to the state’s chief electoral officer (CEO) Frederick R Kharkongor on Tuesday, Maitshaphrang convener Michael Syiem said, “We request you to make it mandatory for all candidates to furnish a marriage registration certificate along with other relevant documents, at the time of filing their nomination papers.”

The Act has clearly stated “Whereas further it is mandatory for married man and married women to compulsorily furnish a marriage certificate for all official purposes.”

Interestingly, the Maitshaphrang also demanded that on failing to furnish the marriage certificate by the candidates, the election department should declare their nomination papers as “invalid”.

It may be mentioned here, Syiem was the champion of the many years campaign for demanding the putting in place of a compulsory registration marriage Act in the state.

Speaking to media persons, Syiem said that since the legislators themselves have made the law, they should also be the first one to implement this marriage act passed by them in the floor of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.

“This will also be a first test case to see how effective this Act is being implemented in the state and to know the loopholes if there are any,” he added.

However, the Maitshaphrang leader informed that the chief electoral officer assured that the matter will be consulted with the law department since the state election department is govern by the Election Commission of India’s guidelines.

Asked, Syiem alleged that many departments of the state government are yet to implement the Meghalaya Compulsory Registration of Marriage Act, 2012 adding that the delay could be due to the amendment of the Act that was done twice.

He also threatened to approach the Meghalaya High Court if the state government fails to implement the Act in letter and spirit.

“We will have to consult legal experts before taking a call to approach the Court which will happen only after the upcoming Assembly polls,” Syiem stated.

By Our Reporter