“NRI marriages, often viewed as ‘trophy marriages’ and the inhumane treatment that many women face as a result. I suggest women to be aware of their legal rights to avoid falling victim to fraud. They should not be seen as mere stepping stones for families aspiring to settle abroad”
— Justice Vinod S. Bhardwaj, Judge of the Punjab & Haryana High Court
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU), Sonepat, in collaboration with the National Commission for Women, recently organised an awareness programme on the intricacies of NRI marriages at Government P.G. College for Women, Panchkula, Haryana. The event, titled “NRI Marriages: Do’s & Don’ts – A Way Forward,” aimed to educate the community on the legal, social, and practical challenges surrounding these cross-border unions.
Under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Archana Mishra, the programme featured two key sessions: The Inaugural Session and the Technical Session.
The event was distinguished by the presence of notable figures such as Justice Vinod S. Bhardwaj, Judge of the Punjab & Haryana High Court, and Sh. Alok Mittal, ADGP Haryana, who provided invaluable insights into the complexities of NRI marriages.
In her welcome address, Prof. Mishra underscored the importance of such initiatives, emphasizing that this was the first of ten planned awareness programs aimed at empowering the public with knowledge on NRI marriages. She highlighted the university’s commitment to research and its role in fostering community understanding on this critical issue.
Justice Bhardwaj, in his keynote speech, addressed the growing concerns around NRI marriages, often viewed as “trophy marriages,” and the inhumane treatment that many women face as a result. He urged women to be aware of their legal rights to avoid falling victim to fraud, emphasizing that they should not be seen as mere stepping stones for families aspiring to settle abroad.
The event was a significant step forward in addressing the challenges faced by individuals in NRI marriages, offering a platform for dialogue, education, and action
Alok Mittal, ADGP Haryana, provided a detailed explanation of the term NRI and its legal implications. He stressed the importance of understanding the legal framework surrounding NRI marriages, cautioning against complacency with the phrase “savdhani hatti, durghatna ghati” (caution removed, accident occurred). His advice served as a reminder of the vigilance required in navigating the legalities of such marriages.
The Technical Session brought together a panel of experts, including Prof. Pam Rajput, Dr. Seema Gupta, and Advocate Savita Saxena, who delved into the legal safeguards, redressal mechanisms, and the importance of due diligence in NRI marriages. Through real-life case studies and interactive discussions, the session offered participants practical advice on protecting themselves from potential fraud and deceit in NRI marriages.
- Asholi Chalai, Joint Secretary of the National Commission for Women, shared sobering statistics, revealing that 1,734 complaints of NRI marriage fraud have been registered in India, with 467 cases originating from Haryana alone. He emphasized the need for robust support systems for NRI women, who often face significant legal and social challenges.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Ashutosh Mishra, Dean of Academic Affairs, expressed his gratitude to the participants and reiterated the university’s dedication to promoting awareness on such crucial social and legal issues.
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