Imphal, February 05: Along with introduction of the Compulsory Registration of Marriage Bill in the House, Manipur State Assembly has today deliberated on the finer points of the Bill.

Although the members have no objection to clearance of the Bill, it was decided to refer the same to a Select Committee of the House for re-examination and further discussion for necessary rectification, if required, before passing and enacting the Bill as an Act.

Introducing the Bill, Social Welfare Minister N Loken pointed out that enactment of the Bill into an Act and its proper implementation would help in prevention of child marriage, forced marriage as well as in ensuring the rights of the women.

The Act would not interfere in solemnising the marriage ceremonies under the tenets of any religion, he said.

The Supreme Court has also given directives to all the States for implementation of the Compulsory Registration of Marriage Act, the Minister informed the House.

MLAs O Joy, Radhabinod Koijam, Dr Ibohalbi, RK Anand, Marung Makunga participated in the discussion of the Bill.

Although none of the MLAs have objection as such to the passing of the Bill, nonetheless, they felt that referring the Bill to the Select Committee for further examination would be more appropriate.

Subsequently, the Speaker of the House refer the Bill to a Select Committee.

The House also approved setting up of the Select Committee with Social Welfare Minister L Loken as its chairman and MLA Radhabinod Koijam, Law Minister Th Debendra, MLA Nandakumar, MLA O Joy and Marung Makunga as members.

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