Bangladesh, US citizens lead made-in-Bengal marriage charge after October rule tweak

Forty-two foreigners, including 24 women and 18 men, have applied for marriage registration with Indian citizens in Bengal. The state recently eased norms to reduce the influence of intermediaries who charged exorbitant fees. Currently, 23 applicants have received registration certificates. The largest number of applicants are Bangladeshis, followed by US citizens, Bhutanese and Nepalese citizens, and individuals from various other countries. The streamlined process allows foreigners with valid visas to marry Indian citizens under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, after a 30-day notice period and by providing an affidavit of being unmarried.