Marriage officials must check papers carefully

Ras Al Khaimah: The courts here have warned those who conduct marriages that they will face tough penalties and will be temporarily suspended should they fail to ensure the fulfilment of the initial requirements and existence of the necessary official documents before the marriage is conducted.

According to Shaikh Ahmad Al Khateri, who heads the emirate's Courts House, the ma'azons (persons responsible for writing the marriage contract) should follow the instructions passed earlier by the court and never conduct a marriage should there be doubt about the basic requirements or the official documents.

He added that the ma'azons should not trust the promises given by the grooms and families that they would provide the missing requirements and documents later. He stressed that everything should be placed before the marriage contract is processed and that is the sole responsibility of the ma'azon.

Several ma'azons here have been suspended for periods ranging from one to three months as authorities discovered discrepancies in marriage documents.

The ma'azons are aware of the requirements and official documents needed to conduct the marriage and the failure to ensure the fulfilment of these requirements and that they will be blamed for them.

Shaikh Ahmad said the court is drafting a new law to organise the work of the ma'azons and impose an official procedure to conduct marriages.

A committee has been set up to draw up the draft, which will be offered to Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, for approval.