Verbal divorce not recognised in Goa common civil code: Sinha

Amid the raging debate over the triple talaq issue, Goa Governor Mridula Sinha has praised the state's Portuguese-era common civil code which allows neither polygamy nor 'verbal divorce' among Muslims.
The governor in her study on 'The Practice and Effects of the Civil Code in Goa,' has said, "Under this code, Muslim men can neither practice polygamy nor is verbal divorce recognised in the state, because no such provision exists in the Code. Secondly, the Muslim Personal Law Application Act, 1937 has not extended to the State of Goa."
Sinha has also praised the pre-marriage counselling "practised in Christianity."
A state government statement over Sinha's study issued today said, "On understanding the practices of each religion, after holding the interactions, the governor was impressed with the practice of pre-marital counselling practised in Christianity, which prepares and educates the prospective bride and groom on their rights and responsibilities arising out of their marriage relationship."

In her study, Sinha said, "The need for the pre-marital counselling was supported by women of all communities since counselling saves many marriages and families from breaking."
The governor has recommended the governments at the state and the Centre to take steps to make pre-marital counselling a prerequisite for marriages or marriage registration in all the communities.

She also appreciated the existing practice of counselling in cases of divorce in some religions and granting it only after due course.
"The decision, if any, in such cases is ratified by the family courts. She also observed that for marriages, the church facilitates transfer of documents to registrar once the marriage is solemnised there and therefore the couple visits registrar's office only once," the statement reads.

"Hence, the governor was of the view that such a practice may be extended to Hindus as well as Muslims," it added.
The report says the basic problems in today's world have evolved from the collapse of family values leading to alienation of youths.
"In this context, the features of the Goa Civil Code, be it the communion of properties, regime of succession or the compulsory registration of marriage etc, have brought tolerance in the family structure as well as led to the strengthening of family values," Sinha said in the report.
The governor also suggested that boys and girls at school levels should be trained on how to respect each other, as it would inculcate moral values and endeavour to form responsible citizens.

Sinha also stressed the role of voluntary organisations working for the cause of women to create awareness regarding the Civil Code and its benefits by way of workshops, training sessions and through print and electronic media.