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Maitri karar (friendship contract) is a traditional contract system of Gujarat, now illegal,[1] that legitimizes a matrimonial-type relationship, most commonly between a married man and his unmarried mistress.[2] It provides for a similar live-in relationship to the custom of nata pratha that is practiced in parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.[3]
A maitri karar is commonly used to circumvent the provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act, which prohibits bigamy. The contract is drawn up by a Sub-Registrar with his seal of affidavit on a stamp-paper of Rs. 10, signed by both parties with two witnesses. Each contract is customized to the needs of the two parties, and prescribes financial support by the man to his partner. Though it was never legally enforceable, and indeed is now illegal, maitri karar were meant to provide a degree of security to unmarried woman.
- ^ "Minaxi Zaverbhai Jethva vs State Of Gujarat on 15 December, 1999". indiankanoon.org. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
- ^ "Love pacts: Just good friends". India Today. 15 December 1981. Retrieved 24 August 2017.
- ^ "To move in with married woman, ward panch marries 6-yr-old". Indian Express. Retrieved 24 August 2017.