Marriage is a sacred bond between two individuals who wish to spend their lives together. In India, marriages are registered under the Hindu Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act, depending on the religion of the parties involved. The registration of a marriage is a crucial step that provides legal recognition to the union and helps to protect the rights and interests of the parties involved. In Kerala, the registration of marriages is governed by the Kerala Registration of Marriages (Common) Rules, 2008. This article provides a detailed guide on the marriage registration procedure in Kerala.
Eligibility Criteria for Marriage Registration in Kerala
The following are the eligibility criteria for marriage registration in Kerala:
- Both parties should have completed the age of 21 years.
- Both parties should be willing to marry each other.
- The marriage should be solemnized in the presence of at least two witnesses.
- Both parties should not have any living spouse at the time of marriage.
- Both parties should not be within the prohibited degree of relationship.
Documents Required for Marriage Registration in Kerala
- Application form in Form III.
- Age proof of both parties (birth certificate or passport).
- Address proof of both parties (Aadhaar card, voter ID, driving license, or passport).
- Passport-size photograph of both parties.
- The wedding invitation card or marriage certificate issued by the religious or social institution where the marriage was solemnized.
- Joint affidavit from both parties stating the date and place of marriage, their marital status, and that they are not within the prohibited degree of relationship.
- In the case of a marriage between a Hindu and a Christian, a declaration from the priest or pastor of the church where the marriage was solemnized.
- In a marriage between a Hindu and a Muslim, a declaration from the Kazi or the Muslim religious head of the mosque where the marriage was solemnized.
- In the case of a marriage between a Christian and a Muslim, a declaration from the priest or pastor of the church and the Kazi or the Muslim religious head of the mosque where the marriage was solemnized.
The following is the procedure for marriage registration in Kerala:
- The parties involved in the marriage must submit the application form in Form III to the Registrar of Marriages within one month of the marriage date.
- Along with the application form, the parties must also submit the documents mentioned above.
- The Registrar of Marriages will verify the documents and record the details in the Marriage Register.
- The parties must appear before the Registrar of Marriages along with two witnesses present at the time of marriage.
- The parties must pay the registration fees as prescribed by the government.
- After the registration of the marriage, the Registrar of Marriages will issue a Marriage Certificate to the parties.
- The parties can obtain a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate by paying the prescribed fees.
Kerala Marriage Registration
Benefits of Marriage Registration in Kerala
- Legal recognition: The registration of marriage provides legal recognition to the union and helps protect the rights and interests of the parties involved.
- Proof of marriage: The Marriage Certificate is proof of the marriage, and it can be used to establish the marital status of the parties for various purposes, such as applying for a passport, visa, or bank account.
- Social security benefits: The registration of a marriage is necessary to claim social security benefits, such as pension, insurance, and inheritance.
- Protection against domestic violence: The registration