Marriage Certificate: Marriage represents a significant milestone in an individual’s life, which is why many choose to have their unions legally registered and obtain a marriage certificate. This step helps to prevent potential issues in the future. However, certain criteria must be met to qualify for a marriage certificate, and not all applicants will be granted one.
Age requirement
To begin with, individuals must meet the age requirements set forth by Indian law: males must be at least 21 years old, while females must be at least 18 years old. Marriages involving individuals younger than these ages will not be eligible for certification. Additionally, marriages between close relatives, such as siblings or cousins, are deemed invalid under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955.
Only one marriage at a time
Furthermore, if an individual is already married and has not obtained a divorce, they cannot receive a marriage certificate for a subsequent marriage, as Indian law permits only one marriage at a time. An exception exists under Muslim Personal Law. If a prospective spouse is mentally incapacitated and unable to provide consent, a marriage certificate cannot be issued, as mutual consent is a legal requirement for marriage in India.
Legal documents
Lastly, if the marriage process is not properly followed or if necessary legal documents are missing, a marriage certificate will not be granted. In cases where a marriage exists solely on paper without mutual consent, certification will also be denied.
