Couple living abroad can register marriage on video: Kerala HC

TIMES NEWS NETWORK
 
Kochi: A couple living abroad can register their marriage through videoconferencing instead of appearing in person before the registrar of marriages, the Kerala high court has held.

The single bench ruling came on a petition filed by Pradeep Kodiveedu Cleetus of Vellapally in Alappuzha and wife Beryl Pradeep of Kollam, questioning the denial of registration of their marriage by the registrar of marriages in Kollam corporation.

The couple had moved to the US after their marriage at a church in Kadavoor, Kollam on January 23, 2000 on Pradeep’s work visa. They needed their marriage certificate for applying for permanent resident status, for which the registrar of marriages asked them to appear before him and sign the register as is mandatedin theKerala Registration of Marriages (Common) Rules, 2008.

They contended that they could face problems in re-entering the US and claiming permanent resident status if they left the country to get their marriage registered. Taking their children out of the US now could also pose problems, they said.

Allowing the plea, the court said, “It is common knowledge that the virtual presence of a person living in a different country can be ensured by videoconferencing.”