According to sources, the Hindu Marriage Act went into effect in Islamabad on Tuesday in response to the chief commissioner’s order to record Hindu weddings. Qualified pundits would be employed to make this possible.
A minimum understanding of Hinduism is required of the appointed pundit, who will only be chosen after receiving 10 votes from members of the community. The pundit will maintain a detailed record of all Hindu marriage registrations, attesting to the bride’s compliance with Pakistani legal requirements regarding her age.
Also, within 15 days following the wedding, the union council must be notified of any wedding, divorce, or second marriage records. Other than the formal fee, the pundit is not permitted to charge the bride’s parents any further money.
It is significant to remember that Kamran Michael, the previous minister for human rights, sponsored the Hindu Marriage Bill in 2016 and that the Senate authorized it for passage into law in 2017. The minimum marriage age is set at 18 years old by the legislation, which also stipulates requirements for Hindu marriage and annulment registration.
