Maharashtra Implements Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Act – A Historic Decision

Mumbai, March 6, 2025 ( Editor in chief )

The Sikh community in Maharashtra has achieved a historic milestone as the state government has officially implemented the Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Act at the state level.

On February 6, 2025, a petition was submitted to Shri Rudesh Jeevanshi (IAS, Secretary, Minority Development Department) by the Maharashtra State Punjabi Sahit Academy and the 11-Member Sikh Coordination Committee. The petition demanded the statewide implementation of the Anand Karaj Marriage Act and sought to simplify the marriage registration process for Sikhs.

Maharashtra Government’s Swift Action

The Maharashtra Government responded promptly and issued an official order on February 25, 2025. According to this order, all Divisional Commissioners in the state have been directed to ensure the implementation of the Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Act across Maharashtra.

On March 3, 2025, an official copy of this order was made available, ensuring transparency and accountability in the entire process.

Key Benefits for the Sikh Community

The implementation of this historic law will provide major benefits to the Sikh community in Maharashtra:

✅ Simplified Marriage Registration – No need to submit multiple applications to municipal bodies.

✅ Recognition of Sikh Identity – Anand Karaj marriages will now have official government recognition.

✅ Hassle-Free Issuance of Marriage Certificates – Certificates will now be issued without any unnecessary delays.

✅ Protection of Sikh Religious Rights – A major step towards securing the legal and administrative recognition of Sikh marriage traditions.

Heartfelt Gratitude to the Government

The Sikh community extends its heartfelt gratitude to Honorable Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis for fulfilling this long-standing demand.

Thanks are also extended to the Minority Development Department and the Maharashtra State Punjabi Sahit Academy, whose swift and determined efforts helped bring this historic decision to reality.

A Historic Moment – Strengthening Sikh Identity, Damdami Taksal Chief's great contribution

This is a monumental achievement for Sikhs in Maharashtra. The implementation of the Anand Karaj Marriage Act marks a significant step towards protecting religious rights, ensuring administrative efficiency, and simplifying the legal registration of Sikh marriages.

Damdami Taksal Chief, Sant Giani Harnam Singh Ji Khalsa, played a key role by personally meeting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to advocate for this demand, leading to this official approval.