Maharashtra Government Issues Official Directives for Statewide Implementation of Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Act

Mumbai, March 6, 2025: In a historic move for the Sikh community in Maharashtra, the Minority Development Department, Government of Maharashtra, has officially issued directives to all Departmental Commissioners for the statewide implementation of the Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Act. The Maharashtra State Punjabi Sahitya Academy and the 11 Member Sikh Coordination Committee, Government of Maharashtra, had submitted a representation on February 6, 2025, to Sh. Ruchesh Jaivanshi Ji, IAS, Secretary, Minority Development Department, requesting the implementation of the Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Act and ensuring seamless registration and issuance of marriage certificates. In response, the department has taken prompt and decisive action, issuing official directives vide letter dated February 25, 2025, to all Departmental Commissioners of Maharashtra. A copy of this directive was officially provided to us on March 3, 2025 (copy enclosed), confirming the statewide enforcement of the Act.

Significance of the Decision

This landmark step ensures:
✅ No need for individual petitions to municipal bodies
✅ A simplified and seamless marriage registration process
✅ Hassle-free issuance of marriage certificates
✅ Legal recognition of Anand Karaj marriages in Maharashtra

Community Acknowledgment & Gratitude

Expressing gratitude for this progressive decision, Bal Malkit Singh, Executive Chairman, Maharashtra State Punjabi Sahitya Academy, and Jaspal Singh Sidhu, Convenor, 11 Member Sikh Coordination Committee, Government of Maharashtra, stated:

“This is a historic victory for the Sikh community in Maharashtra. We sincerely thank Hon’ble Chief Minister Sh. Devendra Fadnavis Ji for his visionary leadership and support in fulfilling this long-pending demand. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Minority Development Department, Government of Maharashtra, for their swift and proactive response. This move will ensure a streamlined, efficient, and respectful process for Sikh marriage registration, recognizing the distinct religious identity of Sikhs.”

This decision is a milestone in upholding minority rights, ensuring ease of legal recognition for Sikh marriages and reinforcing governmental commitment to religious inclusivity.