A Comprehensive Guide to Court Marriage Procedure in Delhi

 Court marriage, also known as civil marriage, is a legal and formal way for couples to get married without the need for any religious ceremonies or rituals. It is a straightforward process that offers a valid and recognized marriage under the law. If you’re planning to have a court marriage in Delhi, this blog post will provide you with a step-by-step guide on the procedure involved.

Step 1: Eligibility Criteria

Before proceeding with a court marriage, ensure that you meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. The bride must be at least 18 years old, and the groom must be at least 21 years old.
2. Both parties should be mentally and physically fit to enter into marriage.
3. Neither party should have a spouse living at the time of the marriage.

Step 2: Notice of Intended Marriage

The first step is to file a notice of intended marriage at the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in the jurisdiction where either the bride or the groom has been residing for at least 30 days prior to the date of notice. The notice form should be duly filled and signed by both parties, along with the required documents.

Step 3: Required Documents

The following documents are generally required for court marriage in Delhi:

1. Proof of age (birth certificate, school leaving certificate, passport, etc.)
2. Proof of residence (ration card, Aadhaar card, utility bills, etc.)
3. Affidavit of unmarried status (declaring that neither party has a living spouse)
4. Passport-sized photographs of both parties
5. Marriage invitation card (if available)
6. Two witnesses with their identification documents (ID cards, passport, etc.)

Step 4: Verification and Publication of Notice

After submitting the notice of intended marriage and the required documents, the SDM will verify the details provided. The notice will be displayed on the notice board of the SDM office for 30 days. During this period, objections, if any, can be raised by anyone who believes that the marriage violates any legal provisions.

Step 5: Marriage Registration

Once the 30-day notice period has passed without any objections, the couple can proceed with the marriage registration. Both parties, along with the witnesses, need to visit the SDM office on the scheduled date. The SDM will officiate the marriage ceremony and register the marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. The couple and witnesses will sign the marriage register.

Step 6: Marriage Certificate

After the completion of the marriage ceremony and registration, the couple can obtain the marriage certificate from the SDM office. The marriage certificate is an essential document that validates the marriage and serves as legal proof of marriage.

Conclusion:

Court marriage in Delhi provides a legal and convenient way for couples to solemnize their marriage without any religious formalities. By following the step-by-step procedure mentioned above, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free court marriage experience. Remember to gather all the necessary documents, file the notice of intended marriage, and complete the registration process to obtain the marriage certificate. With the marriage certificate in hand, you can enjoy the benefits and privileges of being legally married.