Last reviewed: 27 September 2026. Laws and procedures change; check current rules before acting.
The Special Marriage Act, 1954 is India's secular marriage law. It lets any two eligible people marry regardless of religion, caste or nationality.
Who uses it?
Interfaith couples, couples who want a civil marriage, couples involving a foreign national, and some already-married couples who register under section 15.
Key sections
| Section | What it covers |
|---|---|
| 4 | Conditions: age, no living spouse, capacity, prohibited relationship |
| 5 | Notice to the Marriage Officer; 30-day residence |
| 6 | Marriage Notice Book and publication |
| 7 to 9 | Objections within 30 days and inquiry |
| 11 and 12 | Declaration, three witnesses, place and form |
| 13 | Certificate as conclusive evidence |
| 15 and 16 | Registration of marriages celebrated in other forms |
| 22 to 28 | Restitution, judicial separation, nullity, divorce, mutual consent divorce |
| 36 and 37 | Maintenance and permanent alimony |
After the marriage
Divorce, separation and maintenance are governed by the Act itself. Succession is largely governed by the Indian Succession Act, 1925, with a special rule in section 21A for certain Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh and Jain couples.
What the Act does not require
No religious ceremony, no conversion and no parental consent for adults.
Related services
Disclaimer: This page gives general information about the law and procedure as understood at the time of writing. It is not legal advice for your situation. Requirements may vary depending on the parties' circumstances, applicable law, jurisdiction and the concerned authority, and rules and forms change from time to time. Please consult an advocate before acting.