What Are the Grounds for a Void Marriage?

Definition: A void marriage is a marriage that is legally invalid from the outset and has no legal effect. It is considered null and void as if it never happened. Grounds for declaring a marriage void are specific legal reasons established under various laws.

Grounds for Void Marriages:

1. Bigamy or Polygamy:

• Definition: When a person who is already married enters into another marriage.
• Legal Basis: Under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and the Special Marriage Act, 1954, bigamy is a ground for declaring a marriage void.

2. Non-Consummation:

• Definition: The marriage is not consummated due to the inability of one spouse to engage in sexual relations.
• Legal Basis: Under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, if a marriage is not consummated and one spouse cannot consummate it, the marriage may be declared void.

3. Impotence:

• Definition: One party is physically incapable of consummating the marriage.
• Legal Basis: Impotence or inability to consummate the marriage is a ground for declaring the marriage void under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

4. Marriage Within Prohibited Degrees:

• Definition: Marrying someone within the prohibited degrees of relationship (such as close blood relatives).
• Legal Basis: Under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, marriages between close relatives are prohibited and are considered void if they occur.

5. Lack of Consent:

• Definition: If the marriage was performed without the consent of one of the parties, especially if the consent was obtained under duress or fraud.
• Legal Basis: Under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, lack of genuine consent is a ground for voiding the marriage.

6. Mental Incapacity:

• Definition: One party was of unsound mind or mentally incapacitated at the time of marriage.
• Legal Basis: Marriages involving a person who is mentally incapacitated can be declared void under various marriage laws, including the Special Marriage Act, 1954.

7. Underage Marriage:

• Definition: The marriage was conducted when one or both parties were below the legal age of marriage.
• Legal Basis: Under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, marriages involving individuals below the legal age are voidable, and not necessarily void.

Summary: Grounds for a void marriage include bigamy, non-consummation, impotence, marriage within prohibited degrees, lack of consent, mental incapacity, and underage marriage. Such marriages are invalid from the beginning and have no legal effect.