Is parental intervention required?

West Bengal government’s rationale doesn’t hold water
It doesn't seem fair for couples. Some have attained the legal age to marry and want to tie the knot secretly in the absence of parents who are opposed to their alliance. Sometimes parents emotionally blackmail their children. They threaten to commit suicide or put other conditions, if they go ahead with the alliance.

The government's rationale that it needs to verify the documents doesn't hold water. It doesn't seem practical, since there are other methods for ascertaining the authenticity of documents produced by the couples. 

But it's also a fact that every region has a different culture and behavioural patterns. West Bengal's local problems may have compelled the government to go in for such an amendment.
—Rajan Bhonsle, founder director, Heart to Heart Counselling Centre

Will jeopardise prospects of some youngsters
The West Bengal law and justice department’s plan to amend the Special Marriage Act and West Bengal Hindu Marriage Act is not a good idea. Why should the parents and guardians of couples be informed before the marriage registration? It is obvious that couples who opt for a court marriage do so due to the objection to their match, by parents. Under the law, an adult can decide on the choice of a partner, even if the parents do not approve.

Now if the parents will be informed, then the situation can turn ugly. It may deter couples from opting for a legal marriage in court. I don’t think such an amendment is the only solution for verification of certificates and documents provided by couples. It will not curb use of forged documents for court marriage. I don’t think this idea will work. After formulating such an amendment, the government will have to face the ire of the people. It will subtly affect the rights of those who want to marry and are facing opposition due to caste, religion or other reasons.
—Flavia Agnes, lawyer and social activist

Sometimes minors furnish fake documents
The West Bengal government must have a good reason to change the law and make it mandatory to inform parents about their children’s decision to get married. Couples are still free to get married to anyone of their choice, the government hasn't curtailed that right. In many cases, minors go in for marriage by producing fake documents. This is hazardous for their wellbeing. Sometimes minor girls are misled by traffickers. Nowadays parents are concerned about their children. They don't want them to fall prey to any trickster.
—Suresh Gole, parent

Safeguards will help parents verify antecedents
There is nothing wrong, if the government informs parents prior to the registered marriage of their children. The law is still fair since they have been given the right to get married to a person of their choice. If such an amendment comes about, parents won't be in the dark about the marriage and the subsequent loss of face. It's true that sometimes parents oppose their choice of partner, but they must realise that there is some basis for the opposition. Such safeguards will help parents to find out more about the prospective bride-groom and bride.   
—Ratna Waikar, parent

Absurd move, destroys spirit of court marriage
The decision to carry photographs of a couple on marriage certificates seems fine. This may be to strengthen the process and make it authentic. But the decision to take the permission of parents before solemnising a court marriage of adults seems absurd. The reason most couples prefer a court marriage is because, in most cases, their parents are against their choice. They don’t want to inform their parents in any case. If two adults decide to go in for a court marriage, I don’t see the reason to inform parents at all. It destroys the whole purpose of a court marriage for most couples.
—Daryl Samuel

Youngsters are capable of making their choice
I find it amusing that the West Bengal government is thinking of making it mandatory to inform couples’ parents or legal guardians before the marriage is formalised. They may have practical reasons, but it defies the purpose for those who want to get married, without notifying their parents. Youngsters, who have attained the legal age, are mature enough to take a decision to tie the knot. They take recourse to a court marriage to circumvent the objection from parents. If the guardians get a wind of their plans, they will rather avoid it. It will result in youngsters losing faith in the legal system. I don’t think we should encourage such amendments.   
—Sandeep Jadhav

Couples will prefer moving to other cities
This is a sensitive issue and the gravity of the situation varies in every case. There are many youngsters who opt for a registered marriage since their parents are against their choice. So they won’t welcome the move. They may move to other cities rather than getting embroiled in any altercation with their parents. But this can act as a buffer for parents whose children may be planning to get married. If the government believes in keeping the parents updated they must have taken this decision after considering some previous cases. Parents as well as the children must act responsibly, than taking any step that they may regret in the long run.      
—Pooja Kadge

It’s vital that parents are kept in the loop
The move will make the documentation process simpler. I don't think there should be any harm or reason to panic, if the parents are going to be informed about their kin getting married. If the decision has already been taken by the couple and if the law and justice department wants to keep the parents in the loop too, I think it's a good idea. This will not lead to hassles in future, that usually happen after such nuptials. Recently, there have been many cases where the bride feels cheated after the wedding, as the groom has been withholding some kind of vital personal information regarding his identity. Blessings of elders will mitigate any problem later. 
—Maheshwar Toraskar