12,114 “self-esteem” marriages registered in Tennessee since 2018: Minister

Minister of Business Taxation and Registration P. Moorthy. File | Image source: S. Siva Saravanan

Minister of Business Taxation and Registration P. Moorthy told the General Assembly on Wednesday (26 March 2025) that 12,114 “self-esteem” marriages have been registered in Tamil Nadu since 2018.

He is responding to Thousand Lamps MLA N. Ezhilan, who urges the state government to conduct publicity plans for child registrations on self-esteem marriage. Mr Ezhilan pointed out that some sub-registers are reluctant to register for such marriages.

A marriage of self-esteem is usually solemnly declared before relatives, friends or others, also known as “Suyamariyadhai Thirumanam” in the presence of relatives, friends or others without a pastor, without following any traditional wedding ceremony.

Moorthy said in response that measures are being taken to ensure registration under Section 7(a) of all registered offices in the state under Section 7(a) of the Indian Marriage Act 1955. In addition, employees in the registration department are regularly trained on the registration process for self-esteem marriages, he said.

The minister also said the registration department has introduced an online facility to submit marriage registration applications, fee payments and appointment schedules at the small registry office. He also mentioned that marriage certificates can now be corrected online.

Electricity to tribal villages

Electricity, ban and excise tax V. Senthilbalaji said at the conference that the state government is working to provide electricity connections to 20 tribal families in Kadaman Kombai Hamlet in the village of Nellithurai near Mettupalayam, at a price of Rs 12.3 crore. He added that the Ministry of Electricity has obtained approval from the Forest Department of the project.

He is responding to Mettupalayam Mla Ak Selvaraj, who raised concerns about the wildlife movement near the small village. Mr Senthilbalaji also said efforts were being made to provide power to 24 tribal families in Boolapathi Hamlet in Tholampalayam village, Coimbatore, at a cost of Rs 9.2 lakh.