Pakistan Implements Sikh Anand Karaj Act with Landmark Marriage Registration

Historic First: Sikh Marriage Registered Under Anand Karaj Act in Punjab, Pakistan

By Ali Imran Chattha | Lahore | February 2024

In a historic development for Pakistan’s Sikh community, the first marriage has been officially registered under the Sikh (Anand Karaj) Act 2018 in Punjab. The marriage of Taljinder Singh and Pujmeet Kaur, solemnised in February 2024, marks a crucial milestone as it becomes the first union formally recognized under this long-awaited legislation.

Although the Act was unanimously passed by the Punjab Assembly in 2018, its implementation had remained pending for years. The Department of Local Government and Community Development has now issued an official notification to enforce the law, allowing formal registration of Sikh marriages in the province.

The Sikh Anand Karaj Act outlines clear legal provisions for Sikh matrimony. It mandates a minimum age of 18 years for both the bride and groom. In case of a marital dispute, a five-member Sangat—comprising respected community elders—will be tasked with recommending a resolution. If divorce is sought, the couple must first submit a written notice to the Chairman of the Union Council, who will form a reconciliation committee within 30 days. If reconciliation fails within 90 days, a divorce certificate will be issued.

For decades, minority communities such as Sikhs and Hindus in Pakistan have faced legal and bureaucratic hurdles due to the lack of formal marriage registration laws. Community leaders hope this legislation will also help address issues related to inheritance rights, citizenship, parentage, and the issuance of official identification documents.

This landmark registration is being hailed as a step forward in ensuring religious and legal recognition for minorities in Pakistan.