Muslims in Chhattisgarh will now require Waqf Board approval to marry non-Muslims

Raipur (Chhattisgarh) – If a Muslim man or woman in the State wishes to solemnise a nikah (Islamic marriage) with a non-Muslim, obtaining prior approval from the Waqf Board will now be mandatory. Both parties will have to submit their consent, furnish the required documents, and complete the prescribed legal formalities. Maulanas who solemnise a nikah without such approval may also face action.

Under the new system, all maulanas who solemnise nikahs in the State will be registered, and only registered maulanas will be permitted to conduct nikahs.

According to the Board, this measure will enable effective monitoring of those who marry by concealing their identity or hiding documents.

Officials of the Waqf Board said they had received complaints regarding women in tribal areas being deceived into marriage, as well as complaints relating to property disputes. In view of these complaints, the Board has decided to monitor such cases and maintain records of every nikah.

According to the Board Chairman, Dr Salim Raj, “At present, there is no centralised record of nikahs in many places. As a result, disputes later arise regarding marital status, identity and legal procedures. Once the new system comes into force, the record of every nikah will be securely maintained by the Waqf Board, and certificates will also be issued in accordance with the prescribed procedure.”

Editorial Perspective

If Hindus had taken such a decision, the so-called champions of individual freedom would have raised a huge outcry. Why are they silent about this decision of the Waqf Board ?