Hyderabad: Telangana Legislative Council member Amer Ali Khan has demanded incorporation of essential marriage details in English into the existing nikahnama to check exploitation by touts.
The MLC submitted a representation in this regard to Syed Azmatullah Hussaini, Chairman, Telangana State Waqf Board.
The request aims to protect the public from exploitation by brokers or touts who charge exorbitant fees to facilitate English marriage certificates. Incorporation of details in English make it easier for those who face difficulties in reading Urdu to know and understand the content of this document.
In his letter, Khan highlighted that the absence of English in the nikahnama has given rise to brokers or touts who have been charging inflated amounts to provide English translations for purposes such as passport applications and foreign visas.
“To address this, I suggest adding a separate page to the existing nikahnama, containing complete details such as the date of marriage, names of the groom and bride, and other relevant particulars in English,” Amer Ali Khan said.
“Implementing this proposal quickly and effectively will not only enhance transparency but also protect community members from financial exploitation,” the Congress MLC said.
Khan pointed to a wider concern regarding the growing number of Muslims who no longer read or write Urdu or face difficulties with that language. While acknowledging the need for future discussions on the causes of this shift, he emphasised that incorporating English into the marriage contract would benefit the community by ensuring that both bride and groom understand the document.
In the larger public interest, Khan urged the TSWB to act swiftly and instruct the relevant authorities -the Qazaath – to implement this suggestion.
