Sikh Anand Marriage Act

Published on 21 Nov 2025

• The Supreme Court has directed 17 states and 8 UTs to frame rules for registering Sikh marriages under the Anand Marriage Act, 1909 within four months. 

• The Anand Karaj (“blissful union”) is the Sikh marriage ceremony, where couples circle the Guru Granth Sahib four times as laavan hymns (4 sacred hymns from the holy book) are recited. 

• The 1909 Act recognised this distinct Sikh ceremony but lacked registration provisions, which were added through the Anand Marriage (Amendment) Act, 2012. 

• States were then tasked with framing registration rules. 

• While the Act provides a framework for registration, it does not include provisions for divorce or other matrimonial disputes. 

• As a result, Sikhs seeking divorce must turn to the Hindu Marriage Act 1955 to dissolve their marriage.

• The Anand Karaj takes place in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib and this makes it imperative for an individual to uphold his marital ties all his/her life as per Sikh preachers.

Keywords:

Sikh Anand Marriage Act Sikh marriages Anand Marriage Act Guru Granth Sahib Anand Karaj