Section 9 of SMA : Section 9: Powers Of Marriage Officers In Respect Of Inquiries

Explanation using Example

Imagine a couple, John and Priya, who have decided to get married under The Special Marriage Act, 1954. They submit their notice of intended marriage to the Marriage Officer in their district. A local resident, Mr. Sharma, objects to their marriage on the grounds that John is already married. The Marriage Officer initiates an inquiry under Section 8 of the Act.

Under Section 9, the Marriage Officer exercises his powers similar to a civil court to investigate Mr. Sharma's claim. He summons Mr. Sharma and other witnesses for questioning, demands the production of John's divorce papers, and receives affidavits that support John's claim of being legally divorced.

After examining the evidence, the Marriage Officer finds that Mr. Sharma's objection was baseless and made in bad faith. Utilizing the authority granted by Section 9(2), the Marriage Officer imposes a fine of 500 rupees on Mr. Sharma for the frivolous objection and awards this amount to John and Priya to compensate for the inconvenience caused.