Section 13 of SMA : Section 13: Certificate Of Marriage
The Special Marriage Act, 1954
Bare Act
- CHAPTER II: SOLEMNIZATION OF SPECIAL MARRIAGES
(1) When the marriage has been solemnized, the Marriage Officer shall enter a certificate thereof in the form specified in the Fourth Schedule in a book to be kept by him for that purpose and to be called the Marriage Certificate Book and such certificate shall be signed by the parties to the marriage and the three witnesses.
(2) On a certificate being entered in the Marriage Certificate Book by the Marriage Officer, the Certificate shall be deemed to be conclusive evidence of the fact that a marriage under this Act has been solemnized and that all formalities respecting the signatures of witnesses have been complied with.
Simplified Act
(1) After a marriage is officially completed, the person in charge (Marriage Officer) will record the details in an official record book called the Marriage Certificate Book using a specific format provided by the law. This record must be signed by the couple who got married and by three people who watched the marriage happen (witnesses).
(2) Once the marria...
Explanation using Example
Imagine a couple, Rita and Alex, who decide to get married under The Special Marriage Act, 1954. They have completed all the necessary formalities and have had their marriage solemnized in the presence of a Marriage Officer. After the ceremony, the Marriage Officer records their marriage in the Marriage Certificate Book, as required by Section 13(1) of the Act. Rita, Alex, and their three witnesses sign the certificate to validate it.
A few weeks later, when applying for a spousal visa, Rita needs to provide proof of her mar...