Gujarat Love Marriage Law Amendment: Patidar Groups Accuse Government of Inaction

The Gujarat government is facing criticism from Patidar leaders and other social organisations over an alleged delay in amending laws governing love marriages and marriage registration, despite assurances given in the state Assembly earlier this year.

Community leaders claim the government had agreed to consider changes to the existing legal framework following discussions with social organisations in December 2025. They allege that, despite a subsequent assurance in the Gujarat Assembly in February 2026, no concrete action has been taken.

The issue remained unresolved during the Assembly’s monsoon session, further angering organisations that have been pressing for changes to the registration process.

Patidar Groups Seek Stricter Marriage Registration Rules

The proposed changes centre on marriages conducted without the consent of parents or families. Patidar organisations and other social groups have argued that couples eloping and marrying without family consent have contributed to the breakdown of families.

Among their key demands is that written consent from parents or local authorities be made mandatory before such marriages are officially registered.

The organisations have also sought greater powers for police to file stringent complaints against individuals accused of luring or coercing young women into marriage.

Another demand is for marriages to undergo local-level verification before registration. Under the proposal, local authorities would verify the documents as well as the circumstances surrounding the marriage.

Government Assurances Followed Dec 2025 Meeting

The issue gained momentum after a meeting between Patidar and other community leaders and senior government ministers in Gandhinagar in December 2025.

During the meeting, social organisations submitted several suggestions and demands concerning marriage and registration procedures. The government reportedly accepted most of the proposals and assured the organisations that action would be taken.

The matter subsequently came up during the Gujarat Assembly’s February 2026 session, when the government reportedly assured the House that it would move ahead with the necessary legal amendments.

However, nearly six months later, community leaders say there has been no visible progress.

Community Leaders Warn of Fresh Agitation

A Patidar youth leader alleged that the government’s inaction amounted to a betrayal not only of the Patidar community but also of people across Gujarat concerned about the safety of girls and the stability of families.

The leader further alleged that political promises are made during election periods but are not followed through when it comes to implementation.

With the government yet to initiate the proposed legal process, community organisations are now warning that they could launch a fresh agitation to press for action.

Community leaders are awaiting clarity on whether the government will introduce an interim solution or proceed with the proposed amendments, as the dispute threatens to escalate over an issue they consider sensitive to families and communities across Gujarat.