registration of marriages

Supreme court has ruled that all marriages,irrespective of religion have to be compulsorily registered.It has directed the government to put in place necessary guidelines for implementing the same, not later than 3 months from the date of supreme court order.
The ostensible reasons as given in the order are quite serious and necessary;to prevent child marriages, girls being sold in the guise of marriage,to arrest polygamy, enforce the rights of a wife after the death or desertion of the husband on her matrimonial house and other properties.It is quite welcome.I remember during my posting in Rajasthanm,child marriages were the order of the day;it never raised any surprise even from my colleagues who though would not perform such marriages, never found anything wrong if somebody did.Horror of horrors was during some auspicious day, hundreds of child marriages used to be performed enmasse, as if it is somekind of marriage shandy!I asked a colleague who could understand English better than most others,as to the rationale behind performing child marriages.He said it is economics. It is cheaper to perform child marriages as the expenses are minimum, the bridal dress and accessories cost less!I was too shocked to react;also to explore whether it is a flippant remark to ward off more serious discussion from me.
I recall another incident,when soon after marriage i wanted to change my name.Now in retrospect i feel i need not have taken the trouble and since we do not have surnames, could have continued with my maiden name.But then it was long ago, so asked for adding my husband's name to my maiden name. I was in Nagpur then, and Maharashtra already had registration of marriages then.They asked me for marriage certificate and when i said i do not have one, there was intense discussion among themselves. The papers will move to the next desk, and again i will be questioned on why is it i dont have a marriage certificate.It was quite tedious and had to go through an affidavit by two persons who had attended my marriage.I felt it took ages and at the end of it I was left wondering if it was worth all the trouble.
Nowadays even in states like Tamil nadu where Hindu marriages need not be registered, the trend is catching up.It has to do with either the bride or the groom is already abroad and marriage certificate is a necessary requirement for spouse visa formalities to be complied with.
Courts are getting into the sphere of forcing executive actions.