Special Marriage Act 1954 - Summary
Special Marriage Act 1954 PDF is designed to provide a unique option for civil marriage (or “registered marriage”) in India. This act is applicable to all Indian citizens and those of Indian origin living abroad, regardless of the religion or faith of either party. The origins of this act trace back to a legislative proposal from the late 19th century. Marriages conducted under the Special Marriage Act are not influenced by personal laws.
The main aim of the Special Marriage Act is to support inter-caste and inter-religion marriages. This means that couples do not have to leave their religions behind to get married. They can choose to keep their religious identities intact while registering their marriage. To protect the interests of those who wish to break free from traditional social norms and marry outside their caste or religion, the Special Marriage Act of 1954 was established. It offers a distinct form of marriage for all people in India and Indian nationals abroad, regardless of their religion or caste.
Special Marriage Act 1954 – Notes
The Special Marriage Act transcends religious boundaries, allowing individuals from different faiths to enter into marital relationships legally. It offers a completely different framework that does not rely on religious requirements, which are typically important in personal laws. Hence, any sound-minded person from any religion who meets the minimum age can validly solemnize their marriage without any obstacles.
Under the Special Marriage Act, it is mandatory for any marriage solemnized to be registered. This registration is the only ceremonial requirement specified by the act. Interestingly, it is not compulsory for the parties to belong to different religions to marry under this act. Even if two individuals from the same religion, such as Hindus, decide to marry using this act, they must still register their marriage.
You can download the Special Marriage Act 1954 PDF using the link given below.