Karnataka tightens marriage registration rules, says Aadhaar cannot be age proof

The Department of Stamps and Registration has issued a circular directing officials across the State to not consider Aadhaar card as proof of age for the bride and groom for registration of marriages.

The circular said, “Officials must consider either birth certificate or school certificate and in the absence of these two documents, they can consider medical certificate issued by doctor for registration of marriage. The basis of these documents is specified in Schedule-11 of Rule 6(2) of the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Karnataka) Rules, 2014, under Child Marriage Act 2006.” 

The direction came in the light of incidents where the age in the Aadhaar card and birth certificate were mismatched, resulting in child marriage. Child rights activists across the State have alleged that parents or guardians of the bride changed the age in the Aadhaar card photocopy or through a correction window available under the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

Speaking to The Hindu, Mullai Muhilan, Inspector General of Registration and Commissioner of Stamps, said, “Aadhaar card cannot be proof of age especially for marriage registration. It is already a pre-existing rule under the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Karnataka) Rules, 2014, under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, which we are enforcing it strictly. As per the UIDAI rules, Aadhaar can be only proof of identification as it comprises address details and biometric information.Even the Department of Women and Child Development has specified that Aadhaar cannot be proof of age for marriage registration.”

Meanwhile, K.T. Thippeswamy, former member of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR), said, “In a recent incident in Koppal and Raichur, an FIR was registered against the parents of a girl and groom for making corrections related to age in the Aadhaar card while it did not match with their ages in school and birth certificates. There are many such cases that go unreported and no one is held accountable.

Venkatesh, member, KSCPCR, said, “In very rare cases, the first two documents will be absent. Most women deliver at hospitals. Hence, a birth certificate is also available. In case it is lost, then a school certificate should be available as every child is admitted to school. Even if parents have to procure a medical certificate, it is not an easy procedure. They have to approach a district government hospital. A psychiatrist, dentist and orthopaedician will test and write the approximate age as per the rules. Later, the surgeon will sign on the medical certificate.”

He added, “Since, they cannot know the exact age, they will mention it as 15-16 years, 16-17 and 17-18. As per the Supreme Court order, the least number or age must be considered. In case of 17-18 years, 17 is considered.”