HC orders digital registration of marriage, divorce

In a landmark verdict on Thursday, the High Court directed the government to digitalise marriage and divorce registrations to prevent fraud and ensure secure records.

The bench, comprising Justice Fahmida Quader and Justice Md Ashif Hasan, noted that the current paper-based system makes it difficult to verify marriages and divorces, undermining family stability and complicating the legitimacy of children. The absence of a functional digital database also creates opportunities for fraud, violating citizens' dignity and fundamental rights under Articles 31 and 32 of the Constitution.

The court ordered that all marriage and divorce records must now be mandatorily registered through a digital process, with all data securely stored within the government system. Authorities have been directed to implement the directive and submit a compliance report promptly.