Varia withdrew the rule following widespread criticism of a provision that many said was directed at inter-religious marriages.

Under the rule, those unable to produce a letter of consent from their parents were asked to state in writing that they were marrying without their parents' permission.

A note from the government Friday clarified that the rule had been amended to make the submission of letters voluntary though it was not clear which department had originally taken the decision.

The legal fraternity had called the move illegal while others termed it ultra-conservative.

"The rule was illegal and unconstitutional. The Hindu Marriage Act, for example, says that men above 21 years of age and women above 18 years are entitled to get married by mutual consent," said Anand Yagnik, a senior advocate.

Some lawyers hinted that pressure from Hindu rightwing groups may have led to the "absurd" move.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has been carrying out a campaign against inter-religious marriages. It has alleged a pre-meditated conspiracy behind what it claims to be a large number of marriages between Hindu girls and Muslim boys.

"The intention behind the old circular was only to check social evils and ensure that civil marriage procedure is not misused," Varia was quoted as saying.