PORVORIM: Goa, the only state in the county to have Uniform Civil Code, will soon have the Portuguese-regime’s law amended in order to pave way for the non-Goans to register their civil marriages in the State. The amendment would also have a provision to do away with the mandatory 15 days period between two signatures.
CM Pramod Sawant along with Law Minister Nilesh Cabral made this announcement during the Zero Hour Mention tabled by St Cruz MLA Tony Fernandes.
Cabral said that amendment will also allow for the relaxation of the mandatory 15 days period between two signatures while agreeing to Fernandes’ concern that the present law has been causing hindrance to Goans with Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card who are on short vacation to their home State. The law minister, however, quickly added that in such a situation, a couple can approach the local court that directs the sub-registrar to register marriage without the mandatory time period.
“We are aware of the issue and a proposal is moved to the government for amendment of the Code. But before we amend the act, the couples can approach the court to expedite the formalities. The Court gives direction to the sub-registrar for registering the marriage,” he added.
Fernandes had raised the issue considering that OCI card holders have to spend minimum one month at their permanent address, which is Goa, for civil registration. He pointed out that these Goans working abroad barely get 21 days of leave of which two days are spent in travelling. “Give at least 15 days relaxation,” he had said during the discussion.
