Section 7 of SMA : Section 7: Objection To Marriage

Explanation using Example

Imagine a couple, John and Priya, who want to get married under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. They submit a notice of their intended marriage to the Marriage Officer in their district. The notice is then published, inviting objections, if any, within 30 days.

During this period, a local resident, Mr. Sharma, believes that John is already married to someone else and that his first marriage has not been legally dissolved. Mr. Sharma decides to object to John and Priya's marriage on these grounds, which if true, would violate the conditions specified in section 4 of the Act.

Mr. Sharma files his objection with the Marriage Officer within the 30-day period. The Marriage Officer records his objection in writing in the Marriage Notice Book, reads it over to Mr. Sharma, explains the contents to ensure he understands, and then has Mr. Sharma sign the record.

Because of the objection, the marriage cannot be solemnized until the objection is resolved. If the objection is found to be valid, the marriage may be stopped. If it is not valid or is resolved in favor of John and Priya, they may proceed with the marriage after the 30-day period has passed.