Wednesday, August 3 2005 13:56 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: At least 18 cases of NRIs getting married in India and deserting their brides have come to Government's notice with the highest number of six cases being reported from Delhi, Lok Sabha was informed today (Aug 3, 2005).

Besides Delhi, two cases each have been reported from Haryana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Punjab, and one each from West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan, Minister of State for Overseas Indian Affairs Jagdish Tytler said during Question Hour.

The Centre has asked state Governments to take remedial measures, including creation of separate cells to provide free legal counseling, and told Indian Missions to render all possible assistance in such cases.

"Government is also finalizing an information booklet for the guidance of prospective brides and their families containing suggestions including on the need to get antecedents of the grooms verified and on legal rights of women married to NRI grooms," Tytler said.