In India, court marriages for couples of different religions are typically registered under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. This act provides a legal framework for marriages where the couple may not wish to marry under personal religious laws. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process: Steps for Court Marriage Registration under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 Notice of Intended Marriage: The couple must give notice of their intention to marry to the Marriage Officer of the district where at least one of them has resided for at least 30 days immediately preceding the date of the notice. The notice is submitted in the prescribed form (Form IV) along with required documents. Publication of Notice: The Marriage Officer publishes the notice in a conspicuous place in his office and keeps it open for public inspection for 30 days. During this period, anyone can object to the marriage if it contravenes any conditions specified in the Act. Objections: If an objection is raised, the Marriage Officer will investigate the matter. If the objection is upheld, the marriage cannot proceed. If the objection is dismissed, the marriage can go ahead. The parties may appeal against the Marriage Officer’s decision within 30 days to the district court. Declaration and Solemnization: After the 30-day notice period, if there are no objections, the marriage can be solemnized. The couple and three witnesses must sign a declaration (in the prescribed form) in the presence of the Marriage Officer. The marriage can be solemnized at the Marriage Officer’s office or any place reasonably accessible to him. Marriage Certificate: After the declaration, the Marriage Officer issues a marriage certificate. The certificate is signed by the couple, the witnesses, and the Marriage Officer. This certificate is conclusive evidence of the marriage. Documents Required Proof of Age: Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or passport. Proof of Residence: Ration card, voter ID, Aadhaar card, utility bills, etc. Proof of Marital Status: If previously married, a divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse. Affidavit: Declaring marital status, date of birth, and nationality. Passport-sized Photographs: Recent photographs of the couple. Conditions for Marriage under the Special Marriage Act Age: The male must be at least 21 years old, and the female must be at least 18 years old. Monogamy: Neither party should have a living spouse at the time of marriage. Prohibited Relationship: The couple should not fall within the degrees of prohibited relationship unless their custom allows it. Mental Capacity: Both parties must be capable of giving valid consent and should not be suffering from any mental disorder that makes them unfit for marriage and procreation of children. Legal Rights and Protections Non-Discrimination: The Special Marriage Act ensures that interfaith couples are not discriminated against based on their religion. Inheritance Rights: Children born out of such marriages have the same inheritance rights as those born to couples married under personal laws. By following these procedures, couples of different religions can legally register their marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, ensuring it is recognized and protected by Indian law.