Karnataka tightens marriage registration rules, says Aadhaar cannot be age proof

Child rights activists across the state alleged that the parents or guardians of the bride had changed the age in the photocopy of the Aadhaar card. | Image to illustrate | Photo credit: Pritam Mitra

The Department of Stamps and Registration has issued a circular directing officials across the state not to consider Aadhaar card as proof of age for bride and groom for marriage registration.

The circular said, “Officials must consider either the birth certificate or the school certificate and if these two documents are not available, they may consider a medical certificate issued by a doctor for marriage registration. The basis of these documents is specified in Annexure-11 Rule 6(2) of the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Karnataka) Rules, 2014 under the Child Marriage Act, 2006.”

The direction came in light of incidents where age on Aadhaar card and birth certificate did not match, leading to child marriage. Child rights activists across the state alleged that the bride’s parents or guardians have changed the age in the photocopy of the Aadhaar card or through the correction window available under the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

Speaking to The Hindu, Inspector General of Registration and Commissioner of Stamps, Mullai Muhilan said, “Aadhaar card cannot be proof of age, especially for marriage registration. It is a pre-existing rule under the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Karnataka) Rules, 2014, under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. As per UIDAI rules, Aadhaar can only be proof of identity as it contains address details and biometric information. Even the Ministry of Development of women and children said that Aadhaar cannot be proof of age for marriage registration.”

Meanwhile, KT Thippeswamy, former member of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR), said, “In the recent incident in Koppal and Raichur, an FIR was registered against the parents of the girl and the groom for making age-related corrections in the Aadhaar card that did not match their age in school and birth certificates. There are not many such unreported cases and birth certificates are not reported.

Venkatesh, a member of the KSCPCR, said, “In very rare cases, the first two documents will be missing. Most women give birth in hospitals. That’s why the birth certificate is also available. In case of its loss, the school certificate should be available as soon as each child is admitted to school. Even if the parents have to get a medical certificate, it’s not an easy process. They have to approach the district medical officer, dentist and psychiatrist. As per the rules, the surgeon will sign the medical certificate later.

He added, “Since they cannot know the exact age, they will list it as 15-16, 16-17 and 17-18. According to the order of the Supreme Court, the smallest number or age should be considered. In the case of 17-18, 17 is considered.”

Published – 21 September 2026 22:00 IST