Rajasthan imposes new stricter marriage guidelines, follow them or pay hefty fine

The Rajasthan government has issued strict guidelines for wedding ceremonies amid a COVID-19 induced lockdown. The state government on Monday directed authorities to levy a penalty of Rs 1 lakh if the number of guests at a marriage function crosses the set limit of 31. 

The number of guests at the weddings has now been restricted to 31 instead of the earlier set limit of 50 people, excluding the band players. The government added that if the time of the function surpasses the set deadline of three hours, another penalty of Rs 1 lakh will be charged. 

No person shall organise more than one function for any marriage and he/she shall submit prior written intimation, preferably through an e-mail to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) concerned, according to the guidelines. Such intimation must contain the time slot of three hours, the date, and the venue, besides the list of participants.

The marriage organiser should make or arrange for videography of the function/ceremony and made it available on demand by the sub-divisional magistrate concerned, the guidelines stated.

Another Rs 5,000 fine will be charged in case the family gives false information to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate concerned about the marriage function. Health protocols on social distancing, face masks, screening, and sanitisation have to be followed strictly during the function.

Earlier, the Rajasthan government extended the lockdown restrictions till May 17 in view of the continuing COVID-19 surge. All government offices, markets, and commercial establishments except essential services will remain closed.

The weekend curfew will continue on Saturday and Sunday. All shops except milk, medical and fruit, vegetable vends will remain closed on weekends.