SC orders union councils to register Christian marriages

The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered union councils across the country to start registering marriages of Christian couples.

A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, issued the orders and also instructed the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) to issue computerised marriage certificates to married Christian couples.

Time to deliver on minority rights

Disposing of the case, the CJP-led bench also ordered the Punjab government to formulate and enact legislation in this regard.

The court had reserved its verdict on the case in September 2018. The petition contended that births of Christian babies were registered by union councils, but marriages of Christian couples were only registered with churches.

In March 2017, Pakistan formally implemented the Hindu Marriage Act 2017.

Sindh govt notifies Hindu marriage law

Aimed at protecting marriages and safeguarding the legitimate rights of Hindus in Pakistan, the law came into effect after then-president Mamnoon Hussain granted assent.

The National Assembly had initially passed the bill in September 2016, but it was approved by the Senate with an amendment in February 2017.

The bill was again presented in and passed by the National Assembly on March 9, 2017.