Par panel briefed on Portugese law on marriage registration

The relevant legislation, namely, Registration of Births and Deaths(Amendment) Bill 2012 is sought to be amended to include provisions related to registration of marriages.

The Standing Committee of Personnel Public Grievances Law and Justice, Chaired by Rajya Sabha M P Shantaram Naik, is understood to have sought to acquaint itself with the Portuguese law still in force in the state.

State Law Secretary Pramod Kamat and Registrar P S Bodke are understood to have briefed the committee about law, under which a marriage is not recognised in the state if it is not registered.

The law, it is understood, says that as soon as the girl marries the boy, she becomes automatically entitled to half the share in the husband's property and the husband cannot dispose of the property without the consent of the wife.

However, the Amendment bill before the committee does not propose to disturb any existing state legislation on the subject, and therefore, the amendment bill will not be enforceable in Goa when the same becomes law.