Supreme Court Directs Registration of Sikh Anand Marriage
On 23rd September 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued a significant directive to 17 states and 8 Union Territories, asking them to frame rules for registering Sikh marriages under the Anand Marriage Act, 1909 within four months. Until these rules are framed, the court ordered that Sikh marriages solemnised through the Anand Karaj ceremony must be registered under existing laws to ensure that Sikh couples do not face difficulties in proving their marital status.
This ruling has brought the issue of Sikh marriage registration back into the spotlight. While the judgment is seen as a positive step toward recognising Sikh religious identity, it has also highlighted several gaps and challenges in the current legal framework.
In this detailed blog post, we will explore the history of the Anand Marriage Act, the Supreme Court’s directions, the ongoing challenges faced by Sikh couples, and the future of Sikh personal law in India.
Understanding the Anand Marriage Act, 1909
The Anand Marriage Act, 1909 was a landmark piece of legislation because it was the first time the Indian legal system recognised the distinct religious identity of Sikhs in matters of marriage.
What is Anand Karaj?
The Anand Karaj is the traditional Sikh wedding ceremony. In this sacred ritual, the bride and groom walk around the Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) four times, signifying their union not just at a social level but also at a spiritual level.
For the Sikh community, this ritual is very different from Hindu marriage ceremonies, such as saptapadi (seven steps around the sacred fire). By enacting the Anand Marriage Act, the British government at the time acknowledged that Sikh marriages could not be lumped together with Hindu practices.
Limitations of the Original Act
Although the 1909 Act gave recognition to Sikh marriages solemnised through the Anand Karaj, it had no provisions for registration. This made the law more symbolic than practical. Without registration, Sikh couples continued to face legal difficulties, particularly in matters relating to:
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Proving their marriage in government records.
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Securing inheritance or succession rights.
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Accessing spousal benefits such as pensions.
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Legal recognition in courts during matrimonial disputes.
Thus, while the Act was a recognition of Sikh identity, it did not provide a complete legal framework.
The 2012 Amendment: A Step Towards Registration
To address this gap, Parliament passed the Anand Marriage (Amendment) Act, 2012. This amendment inserted Section 6, making it mandatory for states and Union Territories to frame rules for registering Sikh marriages under the Act.
The Intention Behind the Amendment
The purpose of the amendment was simple:
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To give Sikh couples the option to register their marriages under the Anand Marriage Act instead of the Hindu Marriage Act.
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To acknowledge and respect the distinct religious identity of Sikhs.
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To create a uniform mechanism across India for recording Sikh marriages.
Lack of Implementation
Despite this clear mandate, most states and UTs failed to frame the required rules even after more than a decade. This led to a situation where:
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Many Sikh couples had no choice but to register under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
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Some states allowed registration but without uniform rules, creating confusion.
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Sikh identity was diluted in the process, as their marriages continued to be legally categorised alongside Hindu marriages.
This inaction eventually forced community leaders and activists to approach the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court’s Intervention in 2025
In September 2025, the Supreme Court of India took note of the long-standing inaction by state governments. Responding to a petition, the court issued the following key directions:
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States and UTs must frame rules under Section 6 of the Anand Marriage Act, 1909 within four months.
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Until rules are framed, Anand Karaj marriages must be registered under existing marriage laws so that Sikh couples do not face denial of legal recognition.
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No marriage registration request can be denied merely because a state has not framed its own rules yet.
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The court emphasised the importance of religious identity and the need for a neutral and effective registration system that respects both personal laws and constitutional principles of equality.
This ruling is considered a milestone because it not only gave Sikh couples clarity but also placed a positive duty on the states to respect religious diversity.
Why Is Registration Important for Sikh Couples?
Many people wonder why registration matters so much when marriages are already solemnised through religious ceremonies. In reality, legal registration of marriage is crucial for the following reasons:
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Proof of marriage in official records.
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Inheritance and succession rights in property disputes.
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Maintenance and alimony claims in case of marital breakdown.
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Immigration and visa applications for couples moving abroad.
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Government schemes and benefits, such as pensions and family health insurance.
Without registration, couples face unnecessary legal hurdles, and their rights may be questioned in courts.
Ongoing Challenges and Legal Gaps
Even with the Supreme Court’s directions, several challenges remain:
1. Reliance on Hindu Marriage Act for Divorce and Disputes
The Anand Marriage Act, 1909 (even after amendment) only deals with registration. It does not provide provisions for divorce, judicial separation, annulment, or maintenance. As a result, Sikh couples still rely on the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 for resolving matrimonial disputes.
This undermines the very purpose of recognising Sikh identity separately.
2. Lack of Uniformity Across States
Even after rules are framed, there is a possibility that different states may adopt different formats or procedures. This could lead to confusion and non-uniformity in registering marriages.
3. Absence of a Comprehensive Sikh Personal Law
Unlike Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, who have detailed personal laws covering marriage, divorce, succession, and inheritance, Sikhs only have a symbolic law for marriage registration. Many community leaders feel that this does not do justice to their unique identity.
Community Perspectives
The Sikh community has welcomed the Supreme Court’s intervention but has also raised concerns about the limited scope of the Anand Marriage Act.
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Sikh scholars argue that the Act should be expanded to cover divorce, succession, and other matrimonial issues.
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Community leaders feel that recognition of Sikh identity should go beyond symbolism and include a comprehensive Sikh personal law.
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Women’s rights activists stress the need for gender-just provisions so that Sikh women are not forced to rely on Hindu law for maintenance or inheritance.
Many have also called for a national dialogue involving lawmakers, legal experts, and Sikh representatives to frame a holistic law.
Significance of the Supreme Court’s Judgment
This judgment has symbolic and practical importance: It reaffirms the secular character of the Indian Constitution, where every community’s identity is respected. It ensures equality before law, as Sikh couples will no longer be disadvantaged due to lack of rules. It paves the way for a stronger recognition of Sikh personal law in India.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s directive of September 2025 on the registration of Sikh Anand marriages marks an important milestone in recognising the distinct identity of the Sikh community. While the judgment compels states to act within four months, it also highlights deeper challenges in the current legal framework.
The Anand Marriage Act, 1909, though historically significant, remains incomplete. Without provisions for divorce, maintenance, or succession, Sikh couples continue to rely on Hindu law. Therefore, the need of the hour is a comprehensive Sikh marriage law that respects religious traditions while addressing practical legal issues.
As India continues to evolve as a multi-religious democracy, ensuring equal recognition for all communities is not just a matter of legal necessity but also of social justice and constitutional morality. The Supreme Court’s ruling is a step forward, but the journey toward a complete solution is still ongoing.
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