Registration Of Marriage Under Special Marriage Act 1954: Chanakya National Law University, Mithapur, Patna, 800001

REGISTRATION OF MARRIAGE UNDER SPECIAL MARRIAGE ACT 1954

A Project submitted in partial fulfillment of the course Family Law, Semester III during the academic year 2017-18 Submitted to – Asst. Prof. (Dr) Shaiwal Satyarthi Submitted byVaidani Singh Roll No- 1661 B.B.A LL.B

October, 2017

Chanakya National Law University, Mithapur, Patna, 800001

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DECLARATION BY THE CANDIDATE

I hereby declare that the work reported in the B.B.A. LL.B. Project Report entitled “REGISTRATION OF MARRIAGE UNDER SPECIAL MARRIAGE ACT” submitted at Chanakya National Law University, Patna is an authentic record of my work carried out under the supervision of Asst. Prof. (Dr.) Shaiwal Satyarthi. I have not submitted this work elsewhere for any other degree or diploma. I am fully responsible for the contents of my Project Report.

(Signature of the Candidate) Vaidani Singh Chanakya National Law University, Patna

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Asst. Prof., (Dr.) Shaiwal Satyarthi Sir, for his invaluable support, guidance and advice. I would also like to thank my parents who have always been there to support me. I would also like to thank the library staff for working long hours to facilitate us with required material going a long way in quenching my thirst for education. Moreover, thanks to all those who helped me in any way be it words, presence, encouragement or blessings.

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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 

Whether Doctrinal or Non Doctrinal? My research is an imperative use of Doctrinal Research. Doctrinal in the sense that i have collected theoretical material from different sources such as text books and Internet resources.



Whether Primary or Secondary? Now coming on to whether my research is primary or secondary. My research is a blend of primary sources, like judgments of the case, and secondary sources like books, articles, magazines and law journals.



Analytical or Descriptive? I have tried to be analytical in writing this project but nevertheless I have included statistics and important quotes from different sources, as and when considered suitable.

OBJECTIVES OF STUDY The overall study objective is to study in brief the importance of Special Marriage Act, 1954 with an aim to recognize the conditions required and procedure for a valid marriage under the Act, and with an further explanation of the consequences and the effects of the Act on certain legal issues like legitimacy of children or succession, the research prove as to why we need or what is the importance of Special Marriage Act in relevance with today’s life. And at the end the researcher is successful in establishing all the above mentioned points.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

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The researcher in the whole course of study has tried to provide answers for the following question: 1. What is Special Marriage Act? 2. What led to the evolution of Special Marriage Act? 3. What are the conditions of a valid marriage under the Act? 4. What is the procedure for registering a marriage under Special Marriage Act? 5. What are the consequences or effects of the Act?

HYPOTHESIS The researcher assumes that the Special Marriage Act was brought for the benefit of the society and it is serving the purpose for which it was brought in the society. With this the researcher proceeds in a direction in favour of Special Marriage Act and tries to get specifically as to the procedure for registering a marriage under it.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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DECLARATION ........................................................................................................................ 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .......................................................................................................... 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................... 4 OBJECTIVES OF STUDY ........................................................................................................ 4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS ........................................................................................................ 4 HYPOTHESIS ............................................................................................................................ 5 1. Introduction to Special Marriage Act ................................................................................. 7 The Act is applicable on ....................................................................................................... 8 2. Evolution of Concept ......................................................................................................... 9 3. Conditions for a Valid Marriage under the Act ................................................................ 11 4. Procedure for Registering Marriage under the Act .......................................................... 13 Notice of Intended Marriage (Sec 5) .................................................................................. 13 Solemnization of Marriage ................................................................................................. 14 Marriage Registration ......................................................................................................... 14 5. Consequences of Marriage under the Act ........................................................................ 15 Effect of marriage on member of Undivided Family(Sec 19) ............................................ 15 Succession to Property of parties married under this act(Sec 21) ...................................... 15 Legitimacy of Children(Sec 26) ......................................................................................... 15 Restriction on Divorce during 1st yr of marriage(Sec29)................................................... 16 6. Registration of Marriage under Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 .............................................. 17 7. CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................. 19 BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................................................................................... 20

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1. Introduction to Special Marriage Act

‘Marriage’ is considered a sacred institution in our Indian subcontinent. It is an integral part of our culture.1 India is a diverse country and thus has people from a number of religions and cultures, residing here. India follows a very rigid caste system. People are expected to marry within their caste. In some places in India, whoever marries out of their caste and deny their traditions are shunned by the society. Thus, there came a grave need for a law to safeguard the interests of those people who rose above these caste and religious divides, in order to marry for love. So, the Parliament enacted The Special Marriage Act, 1954 which provides for a special form of marriage for the people of India and all Indian nationals in foreign countries, irrespective of the religion or faith followed by either party. The Special Marriage Act, 1954 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted to provide a special form of marriage for the people of India and all Indian nationals in foreign countries, irrespective of the religion or faith followed by either party. The Act extends to the whole of India except the state of Jammu and Kashmir and also applies to citizens of India domiciled in the territories to which this Act extends who are in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.2 In 1872 Act III, was enacted but later it was found inadequate for certain desired reforms, and Parliament enacted a new legislation. Henry Sumner Maine first introduced Act III of 1872, which would permit any dissenters to marry whomever they chose under a new civil marriage law.3 In the final wording, the law sought to legitimize marriages for those willing to renounce their profession of faith altogether ("I do not profess the Hindu, Christian, Jewish, etc. religion"). It can apply in inter-caste and inter-religion marriages. Thus The Special Marriage Act, 1954 replaced the old Act III, 1872. The new enactment has 3 major objectives4: 1. To provide a special form of marriage in certain cases, 2. To provide for registration of certain marriages and, 1

Family Law, by Paras Diwan http://www.helplinelaw.com/family-law/MSMA/ special-marriage-act-1954.html 3 https://blog.ipleaders.in/10-things-every-indian-should-know-about-the-special-marriage-act1954. 4 https://www.vakilno1.com/bareacts/specialmarriageact/chapter6/s27.html. 2

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3. To provide for divorce. The Act is applicable on 

Any person, irrespective of religion.



Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, Christians, Parsis, or Jews can also perform marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.



Inter-caste marriages are performed under this Act.



This Act is applicable to the entire territory of India (excluding the state of Jammu and Kashmir) and extends to intending spouses who are both Indian nationals living abroad.

5



Indian national living abroad.



The marriage may be solemnised at the specified Marriage Office.5

https://www.lawctopus.com/academike/the-special-marriage-act-applicability-1954/

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2. Evolution of Concept Marriage is seen as an institution of people coming together under the promise of spending a life time with each other. It is an integral part of our culture. India is a diverse country and thus has people from a number of religions and cultures, residing here.6 Inter-caste marriage is still considered a taboo in many places in our country. Inter-caste marriage is a marriage between people belonging to two different castes. India follows a very rigid structure of the caste system. People are expected to marry within their caste and whoever marries out of their caste and defy the traditional barriers are shunned in the society. There are a number of honor killings reported every year (highest being in the states of Haryana) and unfortunately, they show pride in doing so. Thus there came a grave need for a law to safeguard the interests of those people who rose above these caste and religious divides, to marry for love.7 Gone are the days when people used to marry blindly wherever their parents decided them to. Now the youth has its own saying and choice and they prefer getting married to someone who has a better compatibility with them rather than marrying someone who belongs to their caste or their religion. It is them who have to live with their partner for the entire life and thus caste or religion is not a matter of utmost consideration at all now. Love is a beautiful emotion and it should not be weighed with something like caste or religion. All religions are equal and marriage amongst it should not be a big deal. Caste or religion is conferred on us by birth and not by choice, then why are people of lower castes seen with shame and disdain? India is a diverse country and things like this that happens here, is a thing of pity.8 Thus, the Special Marriage Act is a special legislation that was enacted to provide for a special form of marriage, by registration where the parties to the marriage are not required to renounce his/her religion. Special Marriage Act, 1954 provides for a special form of marriage for the people of India and all Indian nationals in foreign countries, irrespective of the caste and religion they follow. As Indians believe in marriages with proper rituals, customs and ceremonies involving pomp and show & extravagant celebrations, the Special Marriage Act does not require any of them. 6

Mordern Hindu Law by Paras Diwan Allahabad Law Publication. https://www.lawctopus.com/academike/the-special-marriage-act-1954. 8 https://blog.ipleaders.in/special-marriage-act1954/ 7

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The basic requirement for a valid marriage under this Act is the consent of both the parties to the marriage. If both the parties are ready to marry each other, that suffices it; here caste, religion, race, etc. cannot and do not act as a hindrance to their union. Hindu Marriage Act or any kind of Indian Marriage believe in marriages with proper rituals, customs and ceremonies involving pomp and show & extravagant celebrations, the Special Marriage Act does not require any of them.9 For marriage under this Act, the parties need to file a notice expressing their intention to marry each other, with the Marriage Registrar of the district in which at least one of the parties to the marriage has resided for at least 30 days preceding the date on which such notice is being filed. The marriage is then said to be solemnized after the expiry of 30 days from the date on which such notice has been published. But if any person related to the parties objects this marriage and the Registrar finds it to be a reasonable cause of objection, then he can cancel the marriage on such grounds. For a valid marriage, it is also required that the parties give their consent to the marriage in front of the Marriage officer and three witnesses.10

9

Hindu Marriage Act 1955 Section 7 requires fulfillment of all the essential ceremonies for a valid marriage. http://lawmin.nic.in/ld/P-ACT/1954/A1954-43.pdf

10

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3. Conditions for a Valid Marriage under the Act Under this Act, there are certain conditions that have been laid down under Sec. 411, which are considerably similar to those laid down under Sec. 5 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1954. Thus the conditions for a valid marriage are: 1. Neither party has a spouse living at the time of marriage At the time of marriage, you should not have another spouse who is alive.12 This means, if you are a divorcee you can enter into a marriage again so long as your divorce was complete in all respects. If you have a spouse who is alive at the time of your second marriage and from whom you have not obtained a divorce, your second marriage does not have any legal effect. You can also go to jail for contracting a second marriage when you are already married. If you are a widow or widower, you can enter into a marriage. You can also be sent to jail for marrying a second time when your spouse is still alive.13 Thus both the parties must be monogamous at the time of their marriage; i.e. they must be unmarried and should not have any living spouse at that time. 2. Neither party is incapable of giving a valid consent to the marriage due to unsoundness of mind.14 Since under Special Marriage Act consent of the parties for a valid marriage is required hence it is presumed that the parties giving the consent are capable of giving such consent. Thus the parties should be mentally fit in order to be able to decide for themselves, that is, they must be sane at the time of marriage. Law states that people with mental illnesses usually do not have the capacity to enter into valid legal marriages. A person planning on getting married should be able to give valid consent. If you are not able to give consent because of ‘unsoundness of mind’ or because of a mental disorder which makes you ‘unfit for marriage and the procreation of children’ or if get ‘recurrent attacks of insanity’, your marriage will not be valid. While the provision of the law may not cover all kinds of mental illnesses, there are no proper guidelines on what kind of 11

Special Marriage Act, 1954 Section 5 clause (i) of Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. 13 Section 494 of Indian Penal Code, 1860. 14 Section 5 clause (ii) of Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. 12

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illnesses or the degrees of illness make you unsuitable for marriage.15 Thus neither party has been suffering from mental disorder of such a kind or to such an extent as to be unfit for marriage and the procreation of children and neither party has been subject to recurrent attacks of epilepsy or insanity. 3. Bridegroom has completed the age of 21 years and the bride the age of 18 years at the time of marriage. For a valid marriage, the parties must be competent to marry. That is, woman need to be above the age of 18 to be able to get married. and man need to be above the age of 21 to be able to get married.16 Otherwise the marriage would be a child marriage prohibited under Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1978. 4. That the parties are not within the degrees of prohibited relationship. Parties should not be related to themselves through blood relationships; i.e. they should not come under prohibited relationships or sapindas of each other, which will otherwise act as a ground to dissolve their marriage.17 Otherwise the marriage would be void from its inception under Section 11 of Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. However where a custom governing at least one of the parties permits a marriage between them, such marriage may be solemnized non with standing that they are within the degrees of prohibited relationship. Degrees of Prohibited Relationship18 i.

Mother

ii.

Father's widow (step mother)

iii.

Mother's mother

iv.

Mother's father's widow (step grand mother)

v.

Mother's mother's mother

vi.

Mother's mother's father's widow

vii.

Mother's father's mother

viii.

Mother's father's father's widow (step great grand mother)

ix.

Father's father's widow (step grand mother)

15

http://www.helplinelaw.com/family-law/MSMA/ marriage-under-special-marriage-act-1954.html. Section 5 clause (iii) of Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. 17 Section 5 clause (iv) and (v) of Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. 18 Section 2(b) of Special Marriage Act, 1954. 16

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4. Procedure for Registering Marriage under the Act In India, a marriage can either be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 or under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. The Hindu Marriage Act is applicable to Hindus, whereas the Special Marriage Act is applicable to all citizens of India irrespective of their religion. The Hindu Marriage Act provides for registration of an already solemnised marriage, and does not provide for solemnisation of a marriage by a Marriage Registrar. However, the Special Marriage Act provides for solemnisation of a marriage as well as registration by a Marriage Officer. Thus upon registration, a marriage certificate will be provided to the parties. The Marriage Certificate is an official statement establishing the marital status of a couple. It is an important document, which one can rely upon to prove that they are legally married to someone, and for various other purposes like obtaining a passport, opening a bank account, changing one’s maiden name, and applying for an income certificate, among other things.19 A marriage certificate is essentially the legal proof of registration of a marriage. For the registration of a marriage, one has to approach office of the Sub Divisional Magistrate under whose jurisdiction the marriage taken place or where either of the spouses stayed for at least six months before the marriage.20

Notice of Intended Marriage (Sec 5) Both the parties to the marriage should give notice in writing in the prescribed form to the marriage officer of the district in which at least one of the parties to the marriage has been residing for a period of not less than thirty days immediately preceding the date on which such notice is given.21 A fee of Rs 3 has to be paid for publication of notice. Notice will be published in the office of the Marriage Officer of the district within whose jurisdiction each of the parties to the marriage is permanently residing.22

19

http://www.helplinelaw.com/family-law/MSMA/solemnization-of-marriage-under-special-marriage-act1954.html 20 http://registration.ap.gov.in/CitizenServices/ACT/SpecialMarriage/SpecialMarriageProcedure.pdf 21 www.legalserviceindia.com/helpline/marriage.html , Section 7(2). 22 https://india.gov.in/-registration-marriage-under-special-marriage-act-1954.html

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Solemnization of Marriage The marriage can be solemnized on expiry of 30 days after clearing objections if any filed. The validity for the notice is 3 months.23 Before the solemnization of marriage the parties and three witnesses in the presence of the marriage officer should sign declarations in the prescribed form. The marriage can be solemnized in any form, which the parties may choose to adopt. The marriages can be solemnized either with the office of the Marriage Officer or at such other place within a reasonable distance as the parties may desire.24 A fee of RS 10 has to be paid for solemnization. Certificate will be issued on stamp paper if RS 10 produced by the parties on payment of Rs. 2/.25

Marriage Registration On receipt of application signed by both the parties and also after publication of notice the marriage will be registered on the expiry of the notice period of 30 days. Certificate will be entered in the certificate book and shall be signed by the parties to the marriage and three witnesses. A fee for RS 10/-has to be paid for registration. Certificate will be issued on stamp paper of Rs 10/- produced by the parties and payment of RS 2/-.26

However, no marriage is complete and binding unless each party says to the other in the presence of the Marriage Officer and the three witnesses in any language understood by the parties, I_______take thee________to be my lawful wife (or husband).27 We can register a marriage certificate online, but not in all Indian states. It is unavailable even in larger cities such as Mumbai and Bangalore, but is currently possible in Delhi. A resident of Delhi who wishes to avail of Online Registration of Marriage Certificate option may visit the website: http://edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in/.28

23

http://www.advocatekhoj.com/blogs/index.php?bid=57052c3f7e80097f352835514&bcmd=VIEW http://lawmin.nic.in/ld/P-ACT/1954/A1954-43.pdf 25 registration.ap.gov.in/ACT/SpecialMarriage/SpecialMarriageProcedure.pdf 26 Section 13 of Special Marriage Act,1954. 27 https://vakilsearch.com/advice/marriage-registration-india. 28 www.legalserviceindia.com/helpline/marriage.html 24

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5. Consequences of Marriage under the Act Effect of marriage on member of Undivided Family(Sec 19) Where any member of an undivided family who professes the Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh or Jain religion marries a non-Hindu under this Act, he shall be severed from such family. However if two persons who are Hindus and get married under this Act no such severance takes place.29

Succession to Property of parties married under this act(Sec 21) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Indian Succession Act, 1925 with respect to its application to members of certain communities, succession to the property of any person whose marriage is solemnized under this Act and to the property of the issue of such marriage shall be regulated by the provisions of the Indian Succession Act. However if two persons who are Hindus get married under this Act the above provision does not apply and they are governed by the Hindu Succession Act.30

Legitimacy of Children(Sec 26) A marriage is said to be void, where the conditions mentioned are not met with, and the children from such marriages who would have been legitimate if the marriage had been valid, shall be legitimate, whether such child is born before or after the commencement of the Marriage Laws (Amendment) Act, 1976 (68 of 1976), and whether or not a decree of nullity is granted in respect of that marriage under this Act and whether or not the marriage is held to be void otherwise than on a petition under this Act as mentioned in Sec.26 of the act.31

29

Family Law by Paras Diwan, Allahabad Law Agency. lawmin.nic.in/ld/P-ACT/1954/A1954-43.pdf 31 https://vakilsearch.com/advice/marriage-registration-india. 30

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Restriction on Divorce during 1st yr of marriage (Sec29) Any person married under the Special Marriage Act, must know about this important provision of the Act.32 The parties cannot petition for divorce to the District court unless and until one year has expired from the date of their marriage as registered in the marriage books. But, in cases where the court is of the opinion that the petitioner has suffered exceptional hardships or the respondent has shown exceptional depravity on their part, a petition for divorce would be maintained, but if any misrepresentation is found on the part of the petitioner to apply for divorce before the expiry of 1 yr, the court may if any order has been passed, state the order to take effect only after the expiry of 1 yr, as mentioned in sec. 29 of the Act.

32

Section 29 of Special Marriage Act 1954.

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6. Registration of Marriage under Hindu Marriage Act, 1955

Marriage and the institution of society predate modern society. Since the Special Marriage Act came into force in 1954 for civil marriage, there have been moves to push for legislation to document all marriage. But have fallen by the wayside as the majority of marriages are solemnised by religious rites and fall within the domain of different personal laws.33 Marriages are made in heaven and solemnised on earth. Husbands and wives vow for each other, yet there have been innumerable cases of betrayals by the spouses. In the context, the direction of the Supreme Court of India for compulsory registration of marriages was welcomed.34 Needless to say, registration of marriage is a breakthrough. It will aid dismantling of the unhealthy social edifices of child marriage and the exploitation of the married women. Child Marriage, although prohibited by the prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, still continues in many communities.35 The Law Commission of India, on 4th July, 2017, submitted its 270th Report for Compulsory Registration of Marriages to the government. Bearing in mind the diversity of family laws, customs and traditions, the 21st Law Commission has endeavored to create an all- India framework under which all marriages can be registered regardless of the differences in the procedure of solemnisation.36 Section 8 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 empowers the governments to make rules for the purpose of registration of marriages as there are various customary forms of marriage in different communities among the Hindus and it would be difficult to prove such customary norms. Under sub-section (1) of Section 8 of the Act, the parties to any marriage may have the particulars of the marriage to be entered in the register. Though in sub-section (2) prescribing the punishment, the words “any person” are used, where the state makes it compulsory to make entries in the register, both spouses will be liable for punishment if entries are not made. Even if the entries are made at the instance of one of the spouses only, the other spouse will 33

http://www.helplinelaw.com/family-law/MSMA/solemnization-of-marriage-under-special-marriage-act1954.html. 34 Family Law by Paras Diwan, Allahabad Law Agency. 35 www.news18.com/newstopics/child-marriage.html. 36 lawcommissionofindia.nic.in/reports/Report.pdf

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not be liable for punishment. Also sub-section (5) states that the validity of any Hindu Marriage shall, in no way, be affected by the omission to make the entry in the marriage register. It follows that the state government is not empowered to make any rule invalidating a Hindu Marriage on the ground of omission to make an entry in the marriage register. A Hindu marriage, which has already been solemnized in accordance with the religious customs and rituals, can be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The Hindu Marriage Act is applicable in cases where both husband and wife are Hindus, Buddhists, Jains or Sikhs or where they have converted into any of these religions. 37 The parties to the marriage have to apply to the concerned authority in whose Jurisdiction the marriage is solemnized or either party to the marriage has been residing. Along with the application form they have to attach two photographs of the marriage ceremonies, invitation card of marriage, age and address proof of both parties, affidavit of Notary/Executive Magistrate to prove that the couple is married under Hindu Marriage Act 1955, fit mental condition, non relationship between the parties within the degree of prohibition.38 Both the parties have to appear before the Registrar along with their parents or guardians or other witnesses within one month from the date of marriage. The registration under the Hindu marriage Act does not require any notice. It can be done on the same day of the filing of application or a few days of moving the application for marriage. The parties will receive a marriage certificate within few days, which is a proof of registration of marriage.39 Thus the Hindu Marriage Act is applicable to Hindus, whereas the Special Marriage Act is applicable to all citizens of India irrespective of their religion. The Hindu Marriage Act provides for registration of an already solemnised marriage, and does not provide for solemnisation of a marriage by a Marriage Registrar. However, the Special Marriage Act provides for solemnisation of a marriage as well as registration by a Marriage Officer. And thus under Special Marriage Act the registration is compulsory and vital for a valid marriage but for Hindu Marriages, the duty is left for the states to decide its compulsory nature however only 5 states have made registration compulsory and that too is not capable of invalidating the marriage on its omission. 37

Section 2 of Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. http://delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/DoIT/delhi+govt/community/marriage+ registration+ procedure. 39 Ibid. 38

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7. CONCLUSION Marriages in one’s own caste is sacred and auspicious while the legal aspects of it as discussed above, doesn’t make marriages under this act any less sacred or valid. Our Law under its provisions gives the right to every citizen to marry any person of their choice and have a happy life. But this opinion is supported as well as criticized by many. Some consider it to be valid, some not. The influence of arranged marriages over the love marriage has brought about this situation, which even after judgments and laws being passed more often in this respect, hasn’t brought about a major change in the mindsets of people who are in support and opinion of marriages within the religion and caste. Hence, the above discussed general and legal aspects of Special Marriage Act, holds high importance not only for the people who have registered their marriage under the act but also to all the citizens of the country in order to have a better understanding of the law and treat the marriages between different castes and religions to be equally sacred and auspicious like the marriages between one’s own caste. Since it is known that inter-caste or inter-religion marriages are still considered a taboo in our country the establishment of Special Marriage Act was a great urgency. If we look at the positive side of these marriages, we can find that they have added to our national integrity. Unlike earlier times, nowadays people are attracted more to the opposite sex, belonging to other castes and seldom end up considering the communal side of it. People from higher castes tend to fall in love with people from lower castes and get married to them. What is important is the amount of love and affection between them regardless of the status and community they belong to. What we need to know is that every Indian should change their mindset about the caste system in our country and appreciate marriages between different communities and religion. India is progressing with the increasing influence of education and thus they must know about the advantages of Inter-caste marriages too (yes there are advantages).These marriages encourage equality amongst the citizens and as a result of it people try to interact more with each other and understand and respect each other and their differences. It sets an example for other people that how love and respect can create a free and happy generation, which is above the caste system and the evils of it.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

STATUTES 

Special Marriage Act, 1954.



Hindu Marriage Act, 1955



Hindu Succession Act, 1956.

BOOKS: 

Family Law by Paras Diwan, Allahabad Agency.



Modern Hindu Law by Paras Diwan, Allahabad Agency.



Lawmann’s Special Marriage Act, Kamal Publishers.

ARTICLES 

https://blog.ipleaders.in/10-things-every-indian-should-know-about-the-specialmarriage-act1954.



https://blog.ipleaders.in/special-marriage-act1954/



www.news18.com/newstopics/child-marriage.html.



http://www.advocatekhoj.com/blogs/index.php?bid=57052c3f7e80097f352835514&b cmd=VIEW

WEBSITES 

http://www.helplinelaw.com/family-law/MSMA/ special-marriage-act-1954.html



https://www.vakilno1.com/bareacts/specialmarriageact/chapter6/s27.html.



https://www.lawctopus.com/academike/the-special-marriage-act-applicability-1954/



https://www.lawctopus.com/academike/the-special-marriage-act-1954.



http://lawmin.nic.in/ld/P-ACT/1954/A1954-43.pdf



http://registration.ap.gov.in/CitizenServices/ACT/SpecialMarriage/SpecialMarriagePr ocedure.pdf

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

www.legalserviceindia.com/helpline/marriage.html



https://vakilsearch.com/advice/marriage-registration-india.



https://india.gov.in/-registration-marriage-under-special-marriage-act-1954.html



lawmin.nic.in/ld/P-ACT/1954/A1954-43.pdf



http://delhi.gov.in/wps/wcm/connect/DoIT/delhi+govt/community/marriage+ registration+ procedure.



https://vakilsearch.com/advice/marriage-registration-india.

REPORTS 

lawcommissionofindia.nic.in/reports/Report.pdf

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