Marriage is a sacred institution that binds two individuals
in love, commitment, and legal partnership. In Delhi, many couples opt for a
court marriage as it offers a straightforward and efficient way to legalize
their union. Whether you are a resident of Delhi or planning to tie the knot in
the city, understanding the requirements and procedure for a Delhi court
marriage is essential. This guide will walk you through the steps to ensure a
smooth and hassle-free court marriage experience.
Understanding Court Marriage In Delhi
A court marriage in Delhi is a legal union between two
individuals solemnized in the presence of a marriage officer and witnesses
without the need for elaborate ceremonies or rituals. It is a simple and
convenient way to get married, recognized under the Special Marriage Act of
1954. This act allows people from different religions, castes, or nationalities
to marry each other without any hindrance. Before proceeding with your Delhi
court marriage, it's essential to inquire about the Delhi court marriage fees, as these charges can vary based on the district and
administrative requirements.
Requirements For Delhi Court Marriage
Before you embark on the journey of court marriage in Delhi,
it's crucial to be aware of the requirements. To be eligible, both parties must
meet the following criteria:
1. Age Requirement:
Both the bride and groom should be at least 18 years old for
males and 18 years old for females. In cases where the bride or groom is below
the legal age, the marriage officer may grant permission if there are valid
reasons.
2. Mental Capacity:
Both partners must be of sound mind and understand the
implications of marriage. They should not be suffering from any mental disorder
that could affect their decision-making ability.
3. No Existing Marriage:
At the time of court marriage, neither the bride nor the
groom should have an existing valid marriage. Any previous marriages should
have been legally dissolved through a divorce or the death of the spouse.
4. Notice Of Intention:
A written notice of intention to get married should be
submitted to the marriage officer of the district where either of the parties
has resided for at least 30 days before the date of the notice. This notice
is typically submitted in the prescribed format and should include details such
as the name, age, marital status, and address of the parties.
5. Witness Requirement:
The court marriage requires the presence of three witnesses.
Two of them should be willing to act as witnesses for the bride and groom, and
the third should be a Gazetted Officer or a Notary Public.
6. No Prohibited Relationship:
There should be no prohibited relationship between the
parties. In other words, they should not be closely related by blood or
marriage, as per the law.
7. Affidavits:
Both the bride and groom are required to submit affidavits
stating that they are eligible for court marriage and there is no legal
impediment to their marriage. These affidavits are typically on non-judicial
stamp paper of the prescribed value.
Procedure For Delhi Court Marriage
Once you meet the eligibility criteria and have gathered the
necessary documents, you can proceed with the court marriage procedure in
Delhi. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Visit The Marriage Registration Office:
Both parties need to visit the office of the Marriage
Registration Officer in the district where either of them has resided for the
past 30 days to submit the notice of intention. You may need to make an
appointment in advance, so it's advisable to check with the office beforehand.
2. Submit Required Documents:
At the Marriage Registration Office, you will need to submit
the following documents:
· Notice
of Intention in
the prescribed format.
· Affidavits
affirming the eligibility for marriage.
· Passport-sized
photographs of the bride and groom.
· Proof of
age and residence, such as Aadhar card, passport, or voter ID.
· Proof of
marriage if either party is a divorcee or widow/widower.
· No-objection
certificates (NOC) from parents or guardians if either party is below 21 years
of age.
· Any other
documents specified by the Marriage Registration Officer.
3. Verification Of Documents:
The Marriage Registration Officer will review the documents
and verify their authenticity. If everything is in order, a date for the
marriage ceremony will be fixed.
4. Marriage Ceremony:
On the appointed date, the bride, groom, and witnesses
should be present at the Marriage Registration Office. The marriage officer
will solemnize the marriage in a simple ceremony, during which the parties
exchange vows.
5. Issuance Of Marriage Certificate:
After the marriage ceremony, the Marriage Registration
Officer will issue a marriage certificate. This certificate is legal proof of
your marriage and can be used for various official purposes.
