Indian Christian Marriage Act (ICMA)

Learn about Christian marriages in India: Indian Christian Marriage Act details eligibility, procedures, and registration

Table of Contents

Indian Christian Marriage Act (ICMA) – An Overview

The Indian Christian Marriage Act (ICMA) of 1872 is a law governing the solemnization and registration of marriages between Indian Christians in India. It applies throughout India except for a few states like Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, and Sikkim, which have their own marriage laws.

What Does the Indian Marriage Act Say?

The Indian Marriage Act, 1955, is a separate law that applies to all marriages in India, regardless of religion. However, it does not apply to Christian marriages that are governed by the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872.

The main difference between the two Acts is that the Indian Christian Marriage Act allows for marriages to be solemnized by religious authorities, while the Indian Marriage Act requires all marriages to be registered with a civil registrar.

Essential Requirements for Marriage Under the Indian Christian Marriage Act

Here are the essential requirements for a valid marriage under the Indian Christian Marriage Act:

Age: Both parties must be of legal age (18 for women and 21 for men).
Sound mind: Both parties must be of sound mind and capable of giving consent.
Consent: Both parties must freely and willingly consent to the marriage.
No prohibited degrees of relationship: The parties must not be related within prohibited degrees, as defined by the Act. These include relationships such as parent-child, sibling-sibling, and grandparent-grandchild.
Solemnization by authorized person: The marriage must be solemnized by a person authorized under the Act, such as a priest, minister, or registrar.
Registration: The marriage must be registered with the Registrar of Marriages within 21 days of the ceremony.

Documents Required for Indian Christian Marriage

Application form: A duly filled application form for marriage registration online, obtainable from the office of the Registrar of Marriages.
Age proof: Birth certificates or school leaving certificates of both parties.
Proof of address: Aadhaar card, voter ID card, or passport of both parties.
Affidavit: An affidavit from both parties declaring that they are not already married and that they freely consent to the marriage.
Certificate of baptism: Baptism certificates of both parties, if available.
Notice of marriage: A notice of intended marriage, published in the local church or gazette, 14 days before the wedding.
Minister’s license: If the marriage is being solemnized by a minister, a copy of their license to solemnize marriages under the ICMA.

What Are the Conditions for a Marriage Registrar?

Conditions for a Marriage Registrar under the Indian Christian Marriage Act

Appointment and Qualifications:

Appointed by the State Government.
Must be a Christian.
Must be at least 30 years old.
Must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Must have adequate knowledge of the ICMA and its provisions.
Should be of good character and integrity.
Should not have been convicted of any offense involving moral turpitude.

Responsibilities:

Receive and register notices of intended marriages.
Publish notices as required by law.
Issue certificates of notice.
Perform marriages upon request.
Register marriages in the prescribed manner.
Issue marriage certificates.

Individuals Eligible to Solemnize Marriages:

Ministers of Religion licensed under the ICMA.
Marriage Registrars appointed under the ICMA.
Marriage officers appointed under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.

Notice of Intended Marriage:

Must be given in writing to the Marriage Registrar in the district where the marriage is to be solemnized.
Must be signed by both parties to the marriage and their witnesses.
Must state the names, ages, addresses, and occupations of the parties.
Must state the date and place of the intended marriage.
Must be published in the local church or gazette, 14 days before the wedding.

Pledge Before the Registrar:

Both parties must appear before the Registrar and make a declaration that they are not related to each other within the prohibited degrees of relationship.
They must also declare that they are not already married to someone else.

Certificate of Notice:

The Registrar will issue a Certificate of Notice if there are no objections to the marriage.
This certificate is required for the solemnization of the marriage.

Performance of the Marriage:

The marriage must be solemnized in the presence of two witnesses.
The parties must exchange vows and declare their consent to the marriage.
The marriage must be registered in the Marriage Register.

Time and Place:

Marriages can be solemnized between 6 AM and 7 PM.
They can be performed in a church or other place of worship, or in the office of the Marriage Registrar.

Registration of Marriage:

The Registrar will register the marriage in the Marriage Register.
He will issue a Marriage Certificate to the parties.
This certificate is legal proof of the marriage.

Conclusion

The Indian Christian Marriage Act (ICMA) of 1872 remains a crucial legal framework for solemnizing and registering Christian marriages in India. While its core principles of monogamy, minimum age, consent, and prohibited relationships align with broader Indian marriage laws, the ICMA’s distinct features cater to the specific needs and traditions of the Christian community.

The ICMA’s legacy lies in its historical significance and its ongoing role in shaping the legal landscape of Christian marriages in India. As social and legal landscapes evolve, the Act’s future will likely involve ongoing dialogue, potential reform efforts, and a continued focus on upholding the rights and well-being of married couples within the Christian community. Get in touch with Vakilsearch experts and know more!

FAQs

Are there any legal requirements for conducting a Christian marriage ceremony under this act?

Yes, several legal requirements must be met for a Christian marriage ceremony to be valid under the ICMA: Age: Both parties must be of legal age (21 years for men and 18 years for women). Consent: Both parties must freely and willingly consent to the marriage. Sol solemnization: The marriage must be solemnized by a person authorized under the Act, such as a minister of religion with a license or a Marriage Registrar. Notice: A notice of intended marriage must be published in the local church or gazette 14 days before the wedding. Registration: The marriage must be registered within 30 days of solemnization.

Can a Christian marriage solemnized outside of India be registered under the Indian Christian Marriage Act?

No, a Christian marriage solemnized outside of India cannot be registered under the ICMA. However, it may still be considered valid if it followed the legal requirements of the country where it was performed.

What role does the church play in the registration process under this act?

The church plays an indirect role in the registration process by certifying the minister who performs the wedding. The official license issued to the minister by the church authorizes them to solemnize marriages under the ICMA. However, the actual registration is done with the Marriage Registrar by the couple themselves.

Are there any specific rights and responsibilities conferred to married couples under the Indian Christian Marriage Act?

The ICMA primarily deals with the legal validity of marriage and does not specifically define the rights and responsibilities of married couples. These are generally dictated by other laws and social norms within the Christian community. However, the Act does ensure equal rights for both spouses regarding inheritance and property ownership within the marriage.

How does the act handle issues such as divorce and annulment within the Christian community?

The ICMA itself does not address divorce or annulment. These matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Indian Divorce Act, 1869, which applies to all Indian citizens regardless of religion. This Act outlines the grounds for divorce and the legal process for dissolving a marriage.

What documentation is required for the registration of a Christian marriage under the Indian Christian Marriage Act?

The following documents are typically required for registering a Christian marriage: Application form for marriage registration Age proof (birth certificates or school leaving certificates) for both parties Proof of address (Aadhaar card, voter ID card, or passport) for both parties Affidavits declaring that the parties are not already married and freely consent to the marriage Baptism certificates (if available) for both parties Notice of intended marriage published in the local church or gazette Minister's license (if the marriage was solemnized by a minister)