In the bustling city of Delhi, the process of court marriage offers a straightforward and legally recognized way for couples to solemnize their union. Whether you’re from the city or seeking to marry in Delhi, understanding the legal intricacies of court marriage is essential. This article provides an in-depth, step-by-step guide on how court marriages are conducted in Delhi, highlighting the required documents, application procedure, and timelines. If you’re considering court marriage and need expert guidance, a marriage advocate near me can provide valuable assistance throughout the process.
Step 1: Eligibility Criteria
Before embarking on the journey of court marriage in Delhi, it’s important to fulfill certain eligibility criteria. Both parties must be of legal marriageable age, which is 18 years for the bride and 21 years for the groom. In addition, both parties must be of sound mind and capable of providing genuine consent to the marriage.
Step 2: Document Preparation
Gathering the necessary documents is a crucial step in the court marriage process. The following documents are typically required:
Proof of Age and Identity: Both parties are required to present their birth certificates or high school diplomas as proof of age and identity. Additionally, valid photo IDs such as passports or driver’s licenses are usually required.
Proof of Address: A residence proof, such as a utility bill or Aadhar card, is needed to establish the current address of both individuals.
Passport-sized Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs of the bride and groom are necessary for the marriage registration application.
Affidavit of Marital Status: Both parties must provide an affidavit stating their current marital status (unmarried, divorced, or widowed).
Passport Copy and Visa (if applicable): If either party is a foreign national, a copy of their passport and visa must be submitted.
Divorce Decree Absolute or Death Certificate (if applicable): In case of a previous marriage, documents proving divorce or the death of a spouse must be provided.
Two Witnesses: Two witnesses, preferably family members or friends, are required to be present during the court marriage ceremony.
Step 3: Marriage Registration Application
Once all the necessary documents are in order, the next step is to submit the marriage registration application. This can be done at the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in the district where either party resides. The application form, along with the required documents, should be submitted to the SDM’s office.
Step 4: Verification And Publication
After the application is submitted, the SDM’s office conducts a thorough verification of the documents provided. This verification is carried out to ensure the authenticity of the information and to prevent any fraudulent marriages. Once the verification is complete, the notice of the intended marriage is published on the notice board of the SDM‘s office for a period of 30 days. This allows any objections or concerns to be raised by the public if necessary.
Step 5: Objection Resolution
If no objections are raised within the 30-day notice period, the SDM proceeds with the court marriage. However, if any objections are raised, they are carefully reviewed and resolved by the SDM based on legal considerations and evidence presented.
Step 6: Marriage Ceremony
Upon successful resolution of objections (if any), the court marriage ceremony is scheduled. The bride and groom, along with their witnesses, are required to be present at the SDM’s office on the appointed date. During the ceremony, both parties sign the marriage register, along with their witnesses and the SDM, officiating the marriage.
Step 7: Issuance Of Marriage Certificate
The SDM issues the marriage certificate following the conclusion of the marriage ceremony. This certificate functions as legal evidence of the marriage and is required for a variety of legal matters, including name changes and property transactions.
Timelines
The entire process of court marriage in Delhi, from submitting the application to receiving the marriage certificate, usually takes around 30 to 60 days, depending on factors such as the workload of the SDM’s office and any potential objections raised during the notice period.
Conclusion
Embarking on the journey of court marriage in Delhi involves a systematic and legally recognized procedure. By following the detailed steps outlined in the preceding section, couples can ensure that their union is legally binding. Consider contacting a local marriage advocate if you’re looking for expert guidance and assistance throughout the court marriage procedure.