With a noticeable rise in NRI marriage issues, an awareness programme was held by Dr. BR Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat, in collaboration with the National Commission for Women, at Yamunanagar in Haryana.

Titled ‘NRI Marriages: Do’s and Don’ts — A way forward in the state of Haryana’, the programme saw the participation of heads of various institutions in the city.

Delina Khongdup, a member of the National Commission for Women, was the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, she urged women to diligently scrutinise legal documents before getting married to an NRI. She said that if women should sense any foul play, they could immediately reach out to the commission for help. “NRI cells are being established across the country to assist women affected by fraudulent or problematic marriages by NRIs,” she said, stating that cases related to NRI marriages are on the rise in the country and that the National Commission for Women was helping the affected parties.

Renu Bhatia, Chairperson of Haryana State Commission for Women, who was also present at the event, stressed the importance of being aware and legally literate in matters related to NRI marriages. She elaborated upon a few real-life NRI cases, focussing on the challenges being faced by women abroad, and suggested that educational institutions could organise awareness programmes regularly on women’s safety and legal protection in order to empower young women.

Prof Dr. Devinder Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Dr. BR Ambedkar National Law University, Sonepat, was the guest of honour. He said the initiative was a good one, while also highlighting the importance of such collaborations between educational institutions and legal bodies to raise awareness in this area of concern.

Sumitra Kadian, Chief Judicial Magistrate of the District Legal Services Authority, and Dr. Surinder Kaur, acting principal of DAV Girls College, were the special guests.

Dr. Balwinder Kaur, director of the Labour Studies Centre at Dr. BR Ambedkar National Law University, served as a project coordinator.

Advocate and former member of National Commission for Women Bhavika Sharma was the resource person at the event. – Image by freepik – editor@nrifocus.com