Love marriages’ gaining acceptability in Kashmir? By Zahir-ud-Din Published: Thu, 24 October 2013 10:27 PM Srinagar: Love marriages, which were previously largely unheard of in Kashmir, seem to be gaining acceptability in the society, as at least five court marriages are solemnized every day in Srinagar alone—thanks to customs, newly invented ‘vices’ and the growing demand for working women. Muhammad Yasin, an untiring social worker earns his livelihood by writing petitions in Srinagar’s Sadder Court. He says more than five court marriages are solemnized every day in the court premises. When asked how he can be so sure about the number, Yasin said, “The marriage agreements drafted by lawyers or petition writers have to be notorised. A lawyer designated as notary public signs the affidavits and other documents. In the evening, the data can be obtained easily by visiting the chambers of the notaries. In addition, we have an imam in the court who performs the nikah. So there is absolutely no difficulty in getting the data on a daily basis.” Yasin, however, could not say with certainty as to how many marriages take place in district and tehsil courts. “There was a time when the parents of the girl would lodge a complaint under section 363 Ranbir Penal Code (which deals with kidnapping). In the past the groom had to elope with the bride for a fortnight or so. More often than not the newlyweds would be recovered by the police. But times have changed. Now, no one lodges such complaints,” he said. Anjum is a computer wizard. Two years ago she fell in love and opted for court marriage when her parents refused to accept her choice. “My parents were forced to accept the marriage because they could not find a suitable match for my younger sister despite a two-year search. My sister is educated but unemployed, and the boys want employed girls,” she said. Anjum says the love marriages “not only simplify the marriage” but save a lot of money as well. “In a love marriage the husband cannot even dream of dowry. The conditions are fixed,” she said smilingly. Advocate Siraj-ud-Din endorses Anjum’s stand. “Around 80,000 youth got killed during the past 23 years of conflict. There is dearth of boys. The quest for a working wife has further complicated the problem. Late marriages in Kashmir are a result of this trend. It has forced many a girl into prostitution,” he said. Marriage, according to Rukhsana (name changed), has become too costly an affair in Kashmir. “Poor people cannot afford marriage. The love marriages, therefore, are becoming popular,” she said. The clergy detest love marriages but have failed in reforming the society, which they feel, has been ‘polluted beyond repair’. Their appeals of refraining from a crude show of ostentation during marriages have gone in vain. The only ray of hope, however, comes from the Hamsafar Marriage Council. The Council has the distinction of getting hundreds of marriages solemnized strictly in accordance with Islamic teachings. @abrar.gull
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 02:25:31 +0000
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