A simple rule making AIDS test mandatory by a wedding hall to conduct marriage has saved a bride from marrying an 'HIV positive groom' at Chinnamanur in Theni district.

The wedding of a 21-year old Autoricshaw driver had been fixed at the engagement ceremony on May 16,and the wedding was scheduled to be held at the Chinnamanur Maravar makkal (Community) Mandapam yesterday.

The rules of the hall stipulated that the bridegroom should be tested for "AIDS" and a certificate that the groom or bride did not have AIDS, should be produced, along with the Wedding invitation, for permitting the marriage.

The tests were held on July 20,and when the boy's parents went to the Chinnamanur government hospital for getting the results, they were shocked to find that their son had tested HIV positive. Following this, the hall authorities refused to allow the wedding.