Court marriage in India refers to a legal marriage solemnized in front of a Marriage Officer without following any religious or traditional rituals. It is governed by the Special Marriage Act, 1954, which allows people of different religions, castes, or even nationalities to marry legally and formally, without converting or performing religious ceremonies. Key Features of Court Marriage: 1. Secular in Nature Court marriage is conducted under a civil law, not under any personal religious laws. It's open to: Inter-religious couples Inter-caste couples Indian nationals and foreign nationals 2. Applicable Law Although IPC and CrPC are now replaced by BNS and BNSS, court marriage is still governed by the Special Marriage Act, 1954, which remains valid and unchanged under the new legal structure. 3. Legal Recognition A court marriage gives full legal validity to the relationship, and the couple receives a marriage certificate issued by the government, which is proof of marriage under Indian law. Procedure for Court Marriage: 1. Notice of Intended Marriage The couple must give a 30-day written notice to the Marriage Officer of the district where at least one of them has resided for at least 30 days before giving the notice. 2. Publication of Notice The notice is published in the Marriage Officer’s office, and anyone can object to the marriage within 30 days on limited legal grounds (e.g., one party is already married, not of legal age, etc.). 3. Objection Handling If there's an objection, the Marriage Officer will conduct an inquiry and make a decision. 4. Solemnization of Marriage If no objection arises (or objection is dismissed), the marriage is solemnized in the presence of: The Marriage Officer Three witnesses 5. Marriage Certificate After the ceremony, a certificate of marriage is entered in the Marriage Certificate Book and signed by the parties and witnesses. This certificate is conclusive proof of marriage. Requirements: Age: Groom: 21 years or more Bride: 18 years or more Consent: Both parties must give free and voluntary consent. No Existing Spouse: Both must be unmarried or legally divorced/widowed. Importance of Court Marriage: Ensures legal protection for the couple. Useful in cases of interfaith/intercaste unions. Protects against forced family opposition. Simplifies procedures for visa, immigration, and foreign travel. Offers rights like maintenance, inheritance, custody, etc., under civil law.

Dear Client, A court marriage which is a legally recognized marriage that takes place before a Marriage Registrar as per the Special Marriage Act of 1954 in India. It is also different from traditional religious ceremonies which may include the rituals and practices of a particular religion. The process involves: The process includes:. Marriage Notice For 30 days prior to the marriage both parties present themselves at the Marriage Registrar’s office in the district which has been home to at least one of them for the past 30 days. Publication of Notice We put it out there for public comment if you will. If no valid issue is brought up the marriage may go forward. Marriage Registration Upon completion of the waiting period the couple will go before the Marriage Registrar in the presence of three witnesses to sign the marriage register. Registration of Marriage the Registrar issues a document which is put forward as proof of marriage for legal purposes. In case of inter-caste and inter-faith marriages which also include simple weddings, court marriage is the choice that we see and which provides a legal proof of marriage which does not include religious rituals. I hope this answer helps to resolve your queries. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any further questions. Thank you!

Dear Client, Court marriage is a type of legal union which is entered into and registered with a Marriage Officer which does not require traditional religious rituals or ceremonies. In India this is governed by the Special Marriage Act of 1954. Key features include: Secular Nature: It is for all to see that marriage is made available between any and every community, creed and caste. Procedure: The couple files a report of their intent to marry with the Marriage Officer. A 30 day notice is given for objections should they present. After which the marriage is performed in the presence of three witnesses. Legal Validity: Once issued the marriage certificate by the Marriage Officer is definitive proof of a valid marriage. Court marriage provides a simple route for couples to get married by the civil authorities and which in turn gives them rights and legal recognition. I hope this answer helps you. If you still have any concerns that you can freely contact the firm. Thank you!