Read this blog to know the process for marriage registration, its importance, and other related details.
Marriage is a sacred institution, and it is important that its sanctity is maintained. In Indian society, marriages are solemnised with much pomp and show. A never-ending list of guests and lavish celebrations are the norm. Earlier, one reason for social weddings to be celebrated on such a large scale was to establish the authenticity of the new bond. In 2006 the honourable Supreme Court made it mandatory to legalise marriages by getting them registered. This safeguards the interests of either party. Although most Indian citizens are aware of this rule, they do not know the process and the Certificate of Registration of Marriage, and many of them are duped or taken for a ride.
To give marriage a legal status, it should be registered in the court either under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 or the Special Marriage Act, 1954. The marriage certificate issued after the registration is documented legal proof that the couple is married.
How to Apply for a Marriage Certificate in India?
There are two ways to apply for a marriage certificate- online and offline.
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Online registration for a marriage certificate
The citizens of India can avail themselves of online registration services for a marriage certificate. It is a simple process and a preferred option by the people. It not only saves time and harassment. Unlike the offline registration process, it does not require multiple meetings with the marriage registrar. There are some very simple steps to Marriage Registration Certificate Online:
- Visit the official website of the state government from which the applicant hails
- Search for the marriage registration form
- Fill in the required details of both the parties
- Click on the submit option.
Two witnesses from either side need to be present at the time of the marriage, which will be solemnised at the marriage registrar’s office. The date and time for the marriage provided by the registrar under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 is about 15 to 30 days after the application is made, but in the case of the Special Marriage Act, 1954, it is about 60 days.
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Offline registration for a marriage certificate
For offline registration, the applicants/ couple must visit the sub-registrar’s office under whose jurisdiction either one of the spouses has been residing for more than six months or where the social marriage has been solemnised. After the marriage registration application is made, the registrar will put up a notice on the board for thirty days. If no objection is made during this period, the marriage is registered. The sub-registrar keeps a copy of the notice for the record.
Where is a Marriage Registered in India?
In India, a marriage can be registered both online and offline. One can avail of Online registration in all major cities of the country. One should log in to the govt. The marriage registration form available on the website must be filled out and submitted. After the form is submitted, the couple will be given a call to come and finish the formalities- the sub-registrar will verify all the necessary documents on the given date and time.
After verification, the registrar will register the marriage. People who find the online method to be difficult and complicated can avail of the offline registration method. In this alternative, one should visit the sub-registrar office of the jurisdiction where the social marriage was performed. One needs to fill out the application for registration manually. Signatures of both parties are needed, and the required documents should be submitted. It should be noted that if the marriage is being registered under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, only a marriage officer can solemnise it. During this process, the couple gives notice to the registrar, which is put up on the notice board by him. If no objections are raised to the marriage for thirty days, the application is registered, and the couple is provided with a marriage certificate.
Certificate of Registration of Marriage
The following certificate of registration of marriage are required: https://services.india.gov.in/service/detail/online-application-of-marriage-certificate
- Both parties duly sign an application form
- Date of birth proof- birth certificate, passport, or matriculation certificate. The male must be 21 years, and the female should be 18
- Residential proof of the couple- Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, electricity bill, or Ration Card
- If the social marriage was solemnised in a religious place, a certificate from the institution is required
- ₹100 if the marriage is registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, and if it is registered under the Special Marriage Act, ₹150 should be submitted to the district cashier. The receipts for this payment should be attached with the application form
- Two passport-size photos
- One wedding photo and invitation card (if already solemnised)
- Both the parties need to affirm that they are neither related nor in any prohibited relationship mentioned in either of the marriage act
- In case any of the parties is a divorcee, the divorce decree should be attached to the application form
- Similarly, if any of the parties is a widow or a widower, the death certificate of the spouse should be attached to the application form
- An affidavit stating the place, date, time of the marriage, and the marital status and nationality of the couple should be attached with the application
- Two witnesses from both sides should be present at the time of the meeting in the sub-registrar office
- If the marriage is already solemnised, two witnesses who have attended the social marriage should be present at the sub registrar’s office during the meeting
- It is to be noted that all the certificate of registration of marriage submitted should be duly signed by a gazetted officer.
Conclusion
We hope this article has been useful in providing relevant details regarding the process for marriage registration. Marriage certificates are essential and useful to the couple when applying for a spouse visa, purchasing property, and other joint ventures. Also, during a misfortune like the demise of a partner or divorce proceedings, a marriage certificate is essential to receive claims, and the proceedings progress smoothly.
You can visit VakilSearch to receive help in registering your marriage online.
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