“Marriage is not about age; it’s about finding the right person.” – Sophia Bush. You must have heard marriages are made in heaven that connect two individuals for a whole life. Some people love to tie a knot with a grand celebration and pop and show, while some prefer to keep it short and private. Since the modern generation shifted back to simplicity in the last few years, court marriages have taken place to let couples get spliced under the court roof.
As per the respected constitution of India, two individuals can tie a knot under the Special Marriage Act 1954. Unlike celebrated marriages in India, a court marriage can be solemnized within a few hours with some valid documents, at least three witnesses, and a few other formalities. Likewise, there are profuse things about court marriages that you need to know. Read on to know what are the pros and cons of court marriage.
What is the procedure of court marriage in India?
Court marriage in Delhi or any part of India can be solemnized between two individuals of different genders. But, the age of bride and groom need to be or above 18 and 21 respectively. The Special marriage act allows two parties to tie a wedding knot irrespective of their caste, religion, race, or nation. However, the Hindu marriage act grants permission to get married only if both individuals are Hindu.
Court marriage in India goes under a few steps that consist of prior notice, certification, witnesses, and the final step. Here is the stepwise procedure.
Step 1. Prior Notice to Marriage Registrar
Those who wish to marry in court need to make an appointment before the day of marriage. They need to fill and submit a marriage application to the district marriage registrar. This is often referred to as The Notice of Intended Marriage, which can be accessed from the office desk or the official site of the Indian government.
Step 2. Witnesses and the Marriage Day
The bride and groom need to appear on the appointed day along with at least three witnesses. They can discuss the complete marriage procedure with Delhi lawyers or any private lawyer.
Step 3. Registry and Certification
Once the bride and groom sign on the marriage form with their mutual consent, the government issues their marriage certificate within twenty days that legitimizes their marriage.
What are the Advantages of Court Marriages?
One of the evergreen debates is on whether court marriages are good or bad. What do you think? Here are some pros and cons of court marriage.
Simple and Quick Procedure
If you are eligible for court marriage and all your documents are ready, it will barely take a whole day. One of the court marriage advantages is it is hassle-free and a quick and simple process.
Economic and grants a legal security
Court marriages are quite economical and affordable for all without posing a strain on our pockets. Moreover, they give legal security to both the couples owing to the secure, legal and authentic parameters set by the government of India.
Prevents social evils and eradicates caste and religious barriers.
Since court marriages take place under a legal procedure, it prevents child marriage and with the consent of both parties. Moreover, legal authorities do not discriminate based on caste and religion and therefore allow both individuals to tie a knot.
What are the disadvantages of court marriages?
Sometimes becomes a tricky and lengthy process
As mentioned above, court marriages have to go through some legal procedure, one of which is a prior notice to the registrar. However, if the certification has not to be issued for some reason, you will have to start the whole marriage process from the scratch.
Requirement of multiple documents
Address proof, pan card, age proof, 6 password size photos of both groom and bride, and address proof of all the witnesses are some essentials documents that both the parties need to show up. Scarcity of any of them can lead to varied troubles.
Necessity of witnesses
The compulsion of witnesses is one of the court marriages disadvantages. Sometimes, nobody turns up as witnesses with their ID proofs, especially when it is an inter-caste or inter-faith marriage.
