Family law: ‘Hindu Marriages Bill before new year’

BAHAWALPUR: The Hindu Marriages Bill (HMB) will be presented in the National Assembly after the approval of the federal cabinet before December ends, Advocate Aamir Nadeem told the media on Saturday. Nadeem, one of the authors of the draft law, said the new law would help efficient adjudication of family disputes in the Hindu community. He said it was the first law specific to the Hindu community in 65 years. He said the bill includes recommendations to end underage marriage and prescribes an age limit of 18 years for the bride and groom. He said the law would allow Hindu family cases to be heard in family courts in accordance with the Family Ordinance 1964. He said the bill would provide for the registration of marriage and divorce. “It will also help issuance of legal papers, identity cards and domicile certificates,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2012.