Justice P B Suresh Kumar heard arguments on behalf of the state government, which is not in favor of online solemnization of marriages under the Act, and several petitioners who have contended that personal physical presence of the bride and groom is not necessary for solemnization of nuptials under the law. The state government said that under the Act, solemnization of marriage was mandatory prior to register it under the Special Marriage Act and therefore, the presence of the two sides and the witnesses is required before the Marriage Officer. It also said that if an online mode of solemnization was permitted, it would mandate maintaining an electronic register of marriages and setting up an online mode of payment both of which are not in place presently. It also added that another requirement for solemnization of the marriage was that at least one of the two parties has to be a resident of the area within the territorial limits of the Marriage Officer for a minimum of 30 days prior to issuing the notice of the intended nuptials. Therefore, two persons living abroad cannot have their marriage solemnized online if they do not satisfy the residence requirement.