Court Marriage Law

Legal Guidance & Assistance by Public Adalat

Court marriage in India is a legally recognized procedure for couples who wish to get married under the law, regardless of their caste, religion, or creed. It is governed primarily by the Special Marriage Act, 1954, which provides a secular and uniform process for solemnizing marriages before a Marriage Officer.

At Public Adalat, we provide expert legal assistance for couples who want to perform court marriages smoothly, without unnecessary delays or legal hurdles. Our experienced lawyers, led by Advocate Tarachand Singh Rana, guide you through the entire process—from preparing documents to representing you before the Marriage Registrar—ensuring complete legal compliance.

Relevant Law Governing Court Marriages

  1. Special Marriage Act, 1954 – Main law for court marriages in India.

  2. Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 – For Hindus choosing court solemnization.

  3. Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872 – For Christians, if desired through court procedure.

  4. Foreign Marriage Act, 1969 – For marriages involving an Indian and a foreign national.

Eligibility Criteria for Court Marriage
As per Section 4 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954, the following conditions must be met:

  • Age requirement:

    • Groom must be at least 21 years old

    • Bride must be at least 18 years old

  • Marital status: Both parties must be unmarried or legally divorced/widowed.

  • Sound mind: Both must be capable of giving valid consent.

  • Prohibited relationships: Parties must not be within prohibited degrees of relationship, unless their personal law permits.

  • Nationality: At least one party should be an Indian citizen (exceptions apply under the Foreign Marriage Act).