Gujarat plans WhatsApp alert to parents for love marriages to curb ‘love jihad’

The Government of Gujarat is planning significant changes to the state’s marriage registration rules in a move aimed at preventing alleged cases of “love jihad”, sparking debate over privacy, parental involvement and individual freedom in marriage decisions.

Under the proposed amendments to the Gujarat Marriage Registration Act 2006, authorities plan to introduce stricter verification procedures and a mandatory waiting period before issuing marriage registration certificates.

State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi explained the proposal in the Gujarat Assembly, stating that the government intends to strengthen identity verification and ensure transparency in marriage registrations.

According to the new procedure, couples applying for marriage registration must submit a declaration confirming that they have informed their parents about the marriage. The application will also require details such as parental identity proof, contact numbers and residential addresses.

One of the most debated provisions in the proposal is the introduction of a WhatsApp notification system. After a couple applies for registration of a love marriage, the authorities will automatically send details of the application to the bride’s parents through WhatsApp within ten days.

Officials say the measure aims to prevent fraud, coercion or identity misrepresentation in interfaith relationships.

Under the revised process, the assistant registrar will review the application and forward it to the district or taluk registrar for verification. The marriage registration certificate will be issued only after a 40-day verification period.

The state government argues that the waiting period will help detect cases involving fake identities or forced relationships. Sanghavi told lawmakers that the move is not intended to oppose genuine relationships but to prevent deception.

“We are not against love marriages. However, if someone hides their identity and approaches a girl under a false name, the government will not allow such fraud,” the minister said during the Assembly discussion.

The government also cited instances in Panchmahal district where alleged fake marriage certificates were issued in the past, claiming that anti-social elements had misused the registration process by concealing their identities.

Officials say the proposed changes are intended to safeguard women and preserve social structures by ensuring greater scrutiny in the marriage registration process.

However, the proposal has triggered political and social debate, with critics raising concerns about privacy rights and the autonomy of adult couples. Legal experts say the proposed rules could face scrutiny if they are perceived as infringing on personal freedom.

The Gujarat government is expected to further discuss the amendments before formally implementing the revised rules.