Registrar Cannot Cancel Marriage Certificate Without Proof Of Fraud Or Improper Registration: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court has upheld the legal necessity of registering marriages, affirming that it is a mandatory requirement. The court emphasized that formal registration ensures legal recognition of marital status and provides essential protection of marital rights for both parties. This ruling reinforces the state's commitment to formalizing relationships for legal and social purposes, which can be crucial for matters such as inheritance, maintenance, and the rights of children. Mandatory registration helps in preventing disputes, establishing legal proof of marriage, and safeguarding the interests of spouses, particularly vulnerable parties.