Introduction
One of the very significant legal processes that uphold marriage is marriage registration. Marriage in India has been generally governed by Hindu Law under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. Marriage registration is proof of its legalization and protects it in case of disputes. In this blog, we will break down the steps involved in registering a marriage under Hindu Law in an easy-to-understand manner.
1. Eligibility Criteria for Marriage under Hindu Law
To get a marriage registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, the parties concerned must meet certain eligibility criteria which again will be as per age. The bride should be at least 18 years of age, and the groom should be at least 21 years of age.
Marital Status: The parties must be both unmarried. A party who may have been married before must not remain so; the spouse shall be either deceased or the marriage shall be legally terminated.
Mental Capacity: At the time of marriage, both parties must be of sound mind.
Religion: The Act applies to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs or any person that is not a Muslim, Christian, Parsi, or Jew.
2. Documents Required for Marriage Registration
The required documents for registration are collected in the following step:
Proof of Identity: Aadhaar Card/Voter ID/Passport of both parties.
Proof of Age: Birth certificate/matriculation certificate/passport.
Address Proof: Utility bills, rent agreement, or any other proof of residence.
Photographs: Passport-sized photographs of both parties.
Marriage Invitation Card or Affidavit: According to the discretion of the parties. In case they provide it, it will support the application, but it is not mandatory.
Witnesses: Minimum three witnesses with an identity proof.
All the documents will be there so the registration process will not be delayed.
3. Steps to Register the Marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act
The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, registration of marriage can be had through the following:
Report to the Registrar’s Office: Both should report to the office of the marriage registrar in the district in which the marriage has been solemnized or either of the spouses has been resident for a period of not less than thirty days.
Fill up the Application Form: Fill in the marriage registration form, which could be attained at the office or website depending on the governing jurisdiction.
Submission of the Required Documents: The form is submitted with necessary papers and fees.
Verification of Papers: The registrar verifies the documents, and if she or he considers it necessary, arranges a date when both parties have to appear to verify the papers
Marriage Certificate Issued: Once the papers are verified, the couple may receive their marriage certificate, which is recognized by the law.
4. Benefits of Registering Marriage under Hindu Law
There are many benefits of registering a marriage, such as:
The legally validating the marriage: a marriage certificate serves as proof in case of any dispute or inheritance purpose.
Visa and Passport: It is the required document for the spouse visa or a change of name on the passport.
Legal protection in case of separation: A registered marriage provides legal grounds for claims about maintenance and alimony in the event of a separation or divorce.
The registration of marriage under The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 is very simple to fulfill the legal requirement of the marriage bond. The requirements must be met, all documentation should be collected, and registration procedures must be completed correctly. So not only it fulfills the legalities but also gives a lot of advantages ranging from proof of marriage to protection of one’s rights once the couple opts to part ways.
