TWO GEORGIAN nationals who gave false names when they first entered the State and married EU nationals under those false names have challenged the delay by the Chief Registrar of Marriages to reissue marriage certificates to them in their real names.
The couples, who applied more than a year ago to have their marriage certificates altered, were informed last November by the registrar the amendments would be made, the High Court was told.
Lawyers for the couples informed Mr Justice Michael Peart yesterday that despite assurances, neither marriage certificate has been reissued.
In separate judicial review proceedings, the couples are seeking court orders directing the registrar to amend their marriage certificates within a reasonable period.
The first action is by Giorgi Niauri, a native of Georgia, and his Latvian wife Marika Liepina, Manor Orchard, Thornbury View, Rochestown, Cork. The second is by John Paul Hogan and his Georgian wife, Manana Sokhadze, Marybank, Douglas Street, Cork.
Both Georgians gave false names when they first entered Ireland out of fear of being persecuted in Georgia if they were deported under their real names, Mr Justice Michael Peart was told. In the proceedings, both couples alleged the registrar has failed to act within a reasonable time and has breached their rights to fair procedures and natural justice.
Leave to bring the actions was granted on an ex parte(one side only) basis by Mr Justice Peart.