Why Marriage Certificate is Important in India?

A marriage certificate is essential for many reasons in India.

In India, a marriage certificate is a necessary document for married couples, and it is used to establish legal proof of a couple’s marriage. Married couples must register their marriage and obtain a marriage certificate to access various services and facilities around the country. Let us discuss marriage certificates and how to register them in India[1].

A marriage certificate is an important document to have for married couples in India. It serves as the legal proof of marriage between two individuals. Getting their marriage registered and having a marriage certificate is necessary for married couples to avail of several services/facilities in the country. Here’s everything about marriage certificates and the procedure for registering marriages in India[2].

Even though marriage registration is taken lightly in India, it is one of the most important things to be done once the rituals and the parties are over. Apart from providing security to both partners, marriage registration makes everything much smoother in a country where rules change at the drop of a hat. While it is not compulsory in India yet, the Law Commission has recommended to the government that registration of marriages within 30 days should be made mandatory, with a fine of ₹5 per day after that. So don’t delay your marriage registration in India further[3].

A marriage certificate is a legal document.

A marriage certificate is an official document confirming a couple’s conjugal/marital status. In addition to giving the pair legal married status is also helpful for obtaining a passport, opening a bank account, changing one’s maiden name, and filing for a salary certificate. A marriage certificate is the legal evidence of marriage[4].

A marriage certificate is a document issued by the registrar (Civil) that certifies the marriage act along with the date, place, and time. The certificate is required as proof of legal marriage. No matter what religion, caste, or creed you belong to is mandatory by a directive of the Honourable Supreme Court dated 14.02.2006. Unregistered marriages are seen as a crime and are punishable offenses. The Supreme Court further suggests that marriages be registered under HMA or the particular marriage Act. Unregistered marriages are not illegitimate, but any citizen of India needs to register their marriages[3] compulsorily.

A marriage certificate helps an individual prove they are legally married to someone, which is especially beneficial for getting a passport, visa, work permit, etc. if their spouse lives abroad. It is also beneficial in availing of life insurance benefits, family pensions, bank deposits, etc., if their spouse dies without nomination. Also, courts may require marriage certificates in divorce/legal separation/alimony/child custody[2].

A marriage certificate is proof of marriage.

A marriage certificate can prove that you are legally married to someone, which is especially useful if your spouse resides overseas and you need a passport, visa, or work permit. If their spouse dies without nomination, it is also helpful in obtaining life insurance benefits, family pensions, bank deposits, etc. [1].

In India, a marriage certificate is a legally binding documentary confirmation of your marriage to your spouse, and the Supreme Court of India mandated the registration of all weddings in 2006. Marriage registration is unique, just like every marriage, and the documentation may differ depending on where you are married, where you plan to stay, and your spouse’s religion[1].

You would want to protect the sanctity of your marriage in every way, even legally, once you get married. The verbal assertion will not serve as evidence. You need proof to back your argument. For this, you need a marriage certificate, which serves as proof of the marriage and as a public announcement of the union[4].

Reference:

1. Complete Guide for a Marriage Certificate in India.https://www.kanakkupillai.com/learn/marriage-certificate-in-india-step-by-step-guide/ Accessed 2023-03-17
2. How to apply for marriage certificate in India?.https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/how-to-apply-for-marriage-certificate-in-india/story Accessed 2023-03-17
3. Why Marriage Registration Is Important.https://www.shoneekapoor.com/why-marriage-registration-is-important/ Accessed 2023-03-17
4. Marriage certificate: All you need to know.https://housing.com/news/marriage-certificate/ Accessed 2023-03-17