This note provides a guide for lawyers to the process of Hindu marriage registration in India under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 and the Special Marriage Act of 1954.
1. Documentation
A. Required from husband and wife
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar card | Identity proof |
| Voter ID card | Identity proof |
| Driving license | Identity proof |
| Passport | Identity proof |
| Ration card | Identity proof |
| Electricity bill | Permanent residence proof |
| Water bill | Permanent residence proof |
| Gas bill | Permanent residence proof |
| Telephone bill | Permanent residence proof |
| Rent agreement | Permanent residence proof |
| Bank passbook | Permanent residence proof |
| Any government-issued document | Permanent residence proof |
| Marriage invitation card | Proof of marriage |
| Wedding photograph | Proof of marriage |
| Certificate from priest (if applicable) | Proof of marriage |
| Divorce decree/order (if applicable) | Proof of prior marital status |
| Death certificate of spouse (if applicable) | Proof of prior marital status |
| Conversion document (if applicable) | Proof of religious conversion |
B. Required from witnesses
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar card | Identity proof |
| PAN card | Identity proof |
| Ration card with photograph | Identity proof |
| Voter ID card | Identity proof |
| Passport | Identity proof |
| Driving license | Identity proof |
| Any government-recognised document | Identity proof |
| Any of the documents listed in table A | Permanent residence proof |
2. Steps to Follow for Offline Registration
- Obtain Marriage Certificate Form from nearby SDM office.
- Fill out the form with accurate details.
- Witnesses must sign the documents and provide their personal information.
- Submit address proof and other relevant documents to the SDM Office.
- Submit the registration application form to the SDM office.
- Keep a copy of the application for personal records.
- Wait for the marriage certificate issuance, which typically takes around 15 days.
3. Online Hindu Marriage Registration Procedure
The procedure varies by state. The example provided here is for Delhi.
- Visit the Official site of Delhi to book an appointment – https://edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in/
- Register on the site and select the relevant district.
- Fill out the marriage certificate form with all the required details.
- Upload the necessary documents.
- Submit the application form and print out the confirmation.
- Submit a hard copy of the application form and other documents to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office.
- Follow the procedures at the SDM’s office.
- Obtain the marriage certificate.
4. Importance of Marriage Certificate
A marriage certificate is a legal document that provides proof of marital status and can be used for various legal and official purposes. It helps prevent instances of child marriage and NRI marriage frauds and is crucial in issues like inheritance, ownership of property, and other such matters arising after marriage.
