Law panel proposes strict rules for NRIs marrying Indian citizens

Describing as a “worrisome trend” the “rising” cases of fraudulent marriages between NRIs and Indian citizens, the Law Commission has recommended a comprehensive law to deal with the situation and compulsory registration of such alliances. While presenting the report “Law on Matrimonial Issues Relating to Non-Resident Indians and Overseas Citizens of India” to the law ministry, panel chairman justice Ritu Raj Awasthi said the commission is of the opinion that the proposed central legislation should be comprehensive enough to cater to all facets involving marriages of NRIs as well as foreign citizens of Indian origin with that of Indian citizens. In its report, the law panel said registration of NRI marriages serves as a “valid piece of evidence”, while at the same time it helps maintain a record in the form of registry of marriages. Alteratively, it may be provided in the legislation that if any married Indian citizen subsequently becomes an NRI/OCI, it shall be mandatory for him/her to get his marriage registered.,” the report said.The Law Commission also recommended that the definition of NRI under the proposed central legislation dealing with all aspects relating to NRI marriages should be made comprehensive and all encompassing.It has to be considered that the object of such a definition is “to protect the deserted spouse in the eyes of law against the erring spouse,” it said.