The Parsi community received some respite when the Telangana government on Saturday appointed a 15-member delegation to counsel couples who seek divorce.
After the term of the previous committee expired in April 2013, a new body was not appointed for more than two years.
Through the Government Order No. 48, the Telangana government has appointed the members for a period of ten years to deal with cases filed under Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act 1936 in the state of Telangana.
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The delegation includes activists, businessmen and working professionals. Some of the members are O.M. Debara, well-known social activist, J.R. Bisney, Chartered Accountant, Percy Italia, member of Minorities Commission and businesswoman H.K. Patel. Before a verdict is passed for any case filed under the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act 1936, a judge can pick any of the 5 out of the 15 delegation members to assist in counselling the couples.
The community elders have expressed concern that increased divorce rates within the community will further lower the population. Presently, there are 1,200 Parsis residing in Hyderabad and for every four births, there are about 18 deaths, according to activist and delegation member, O.M. Debara who said that late marriages were also one of the prime reason for this situation.
Panel appointed for a period of 10 years to deal with cases filed under Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act 1936