Court Marriage in India: Know the Law, Follow the Process

In India men and women who have reached their valid age for marriage and come from any religion, caste, or nationality can marry each other without changing their nationality or religion under the system of court marriage or secular marriage. Court marriages are governed by the Special Marriage Act, 1954. As per this act, a couple can do the court marriage in front of the marriage registrar and three witnesses without changing their religion, caste, or nationality in India. But there are certain conditions that must be fulfilled by the couple for court marriage solemnizations and registration in India. Such as completion of valid age criteria, like a couple does not have a living spouse at the time of marriage, the couple is capable of giving concern, the couple must not be unfit for marriage and procreation of children, and the bride and bridegroom are not within the prohibited degree of relationship.