1- Introduction

Marriage registration is a crucial step in legalizing a union and ensuring the rights and responsibilities of the couple. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the marriage registration procedure, outlining the necessary steps and requirements.

1. Preparation

Before initiating the registration process, couples should gather essential documents, including proof of identity, address, and age. These typically include Aadhar cards, passports, and birth certificates.

2. Visit the Marriage Registrar's Office:

Couples need to visit the local Marriage Registrar's Office or the Sub-Divisional Magistrate's Office, depending on the jurisdiction. It's advisable to check the specific office and its working hours beforehand.

3. Application Form

Obtain the prescribed marriage registration application form from the Registrar's Office. Complete the form with accurate details, ensuring there are no errors or discrepancies.

4. Submit Required Documents

Along with the filled application form, submit the necessary documents such as photographs, ID proofs, and address proofs. Both partners must be present during the submission.

5. Verification Process

The submitted documents undergo a verification process by the authorities. This may involve cross-checking the information provided with the original documents.

6. Publication of Notice

In some jurisdictions, a notice of the intended marriage is published to allow for objections from the public. If no objections are raised within the stipulated time, the process continues.

7. Marriage Certificate Issuance

Once all verifications are complete, and there are no objections, the authorities issue the marriage certificate. This certificate serves as legal proof of the marriage and is crucial for various official purposes.

8. Solemnization of Marriage (Optional)

In some regions, couples may choose to solemnize their marriage either before or after the registration. It's essential to follow the legal procedures for solemnization if opted for.

9. Collect Marriage Certificate

After the marriage is registered, couples can collect the marriage certificate from the Registrar's Office. This document is valid proof of the marriage and is required for various legal transactions.

10. Post-Registration Formalities

It's advisable to update records with relevant authorities, such as banks, insurance companies, and government offices, to reflect the marital status change.{1}

2- Which papers/documents/fees, do I take with me?

Application form duly signed by both husband and wife.

Fee of Rs.100/- is to be deposited with Marriage Clerk and the receipt is to be appended with the form.

Self attested documentary evidence of date of birth of both parties. (Matriculation Certificate/Passport/Birth Certificate)

Self attested residential Proof of both the parties (Voter I-Card/Ration Card/Driving Licence/Passport etc.).

Self attested Marriage Invitation card, if available.

Separate affidavits in prescribed format from Husband Wife giving:-

Date and place of marriage.

Date of Birth.

Martial status at the time of marriage.

Affirmation that the parties are not related to each other within the prohibited degree of relationship as per Hindu Marriage Act.

Citizenship

For the purpose of identification, the proof may be in the form of a certificate containing the attested photographs of the Husband Wife duly attested by any officer/official of central or state governments or Union Territory Administration of PSU/autonomous bodies whose identity can be established or by any person having PAN of Income Tax.

Passport size photograph of both the parties (2 Copies each) as well as their Ceremonial photographs duly attested by any officer official of central or state governments or Union Territory Administration of PSU/autonomous bodies whose identity can be established or by any person having PAN of Income Tax.

Attested copy of divorce decree/order in case of a divorce and death certificate of spouse in case of widow/widower

Where marriage has been solemnized at a religious place, a certificate from the priest is required

In case of a foreign national, a certificate from the Embassy concerned regarding his or her present martial status

In case one of the parties belong to other than Hindu, Budhist, Jain and Sikh religions, a conversion certificate from the priest who solemnized the marriage is required

The applicants have to apply for registration of marriage to the office of the Deputy Commissioner in whose territorial jurisdiction either of the applicants resides

If the marriage is solemnized in Delhi but the applicants were not residing in Delhi, application for registration of the marriage shall have to be made to office of the Deputy Commissioner in whose jurisdiction the marriage has been solemnized.{2}

3- What will be the criteria used while deciding my case?

Hindu Marriage Act

Verification of all the documents is carried out on the date of application and a day is fixed and communicated to the parties for registration. On the said day, both parties, alongwith a Gazetted Officer who attended their marriage, need to be present before the SDM. The Certificate is issued on the same day.

Special Marriage Act

Both parties are required to be present after submission of documents for issuance of public notice inviting objections. One copy of notice is pasted on the notice board of the office and copy of the notice is sent by registered post to both parties as per address given by them. Registration is done 30 days after the date of notice after deciding any objection that may have been received during that period by the SDM. Both parties alongwith three witnesses are required to be present on the date of registration.{3}

4- Benefits of Marriage Certificate

The following are the purposes of obtaining Uttar Pradesh marriage certificate:

Marriage certificate proves that a woman is legally married to the person (Details are in the marriage certificate)

Marriage registration certificate enables social security and self-confidence to a married woman

The marriage certificate is mandatory for claiming bank deposits or insurance-related benefit to a spouse

In the case of a married person, marriage certificate needs to be produced for applying for a passport{4}

5- Conclusion:

Marriage registration is a vital legal process that ensures the recognition of a union in the eyes of the law. Following the proper procedure and providing accurate documentation is crucial for a seamless and legally recognized marriage. Couples should be aware of the specific requirements in their jurisdiction to ensure a smooth registration process.

6- Citation

1: Oishika Banerji," introduction " available at: https://blog.ipleaders.in (last visited on November 26,2023)

2: Thelawcodes," Which papers/documents/fees, do I take with me" available at : https://www.legalserviceindia.com (last visited on November 26,2023)

3: Kanakkupillai,"What will be the criteria used while deciding my case" available at : https://www.kanakkupillai.com (last visited on November 27,2023)

4:Khushbu,"Benefits of Marriage Certificate" available at : https://vakilsearch.com (last visited on November 27,2023)