- By JE News Desk
- Mon, 31 Jul 2023 09:14 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has said his government will study the possibility of introducing mandatory parental consent in love marriages if the concept is constitutionally feasible, news agency PTI reported.
He made the remark while addressing an event organised by a Patidar outfit in Mehsana. Certain sections of Gujarat's Patidar community have raised the demand that parental nod be made mandatory for love marriages in the state.
CM Patel said he was suggested by state Health Minister Rushikesh Patel to conduct a study into the incidents of girls eloping for marriage so it can be determined if there is scope for the introduction of parental consent in love marriages.
The announcement by the CM drew praise from Gujarat Congress MLA Imran Khedawala. "At a time when parents are neglected in love marriages, the government is thinking of creating a specific system regarding love marriages that is constitutionally feasible," Khedawala stated.
"The CM has assured to get a study conducted on mandatory parental approval in love marriages. The chief minister has spoken about this. If the government brings such law in the assembly session, then my support is with the government," he added.
The state government in 2021 amended the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, criminalising forcible or fraudulent conversion by marriage. The amended Act stipulates punishment with imprisonment of up to 10 years if a person is found guilty.
The Act was later challenged in the Gujarat High Court, which ordered a stay on certain sections of the legislation. The court's order in the matter is currently under challenge in the Supreme Court.
