The role of the wali
The wali’s role is not to override the bride’s consent. The bride must willingly agree to the marriage. The wali provides the guardianship role recognised in the Nikah process.
When the obvious wali cannot act
If the bride’s father is deceased, unavailable, not Muslim, refuses in disputed circumstances, or there is uncertainty about who should act next, VidNikah does not automatically appoint someone. The case is escalated for imam review.
Scholarly differences
There are recognised differences in classical Islamic jurisprudence concerning the wali, particularly between the majority position and the Hanafi school. VidNikah states its ceremony policy while acknowledging recognised scholarly disagreement rather than presenting one policy as unanimous.