Section 16 of SMA : Section 16: Procedure For Registration

Explanation using Example

Imagine a couple, Riya and Arjun, who come from different religious backgrounds and wish to get married under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. They submit an application to the local Marriage Officer to register their marriage. The Marriage Officer, following Section 16, posts a notice of their intended marriage at the registration office. This notice invites objections, if any, from the public for a period of 30 days. During this period, a neighbor raises an objection based on a mistaken belief that Riya is already married. The Marriage Officer schedules a hearing and invites both the couple and the objecting neighbor. After reviewing evidence and listening to both sides, the officer finds the objection baseless as Riya provides proof of her single status. Satisfied that all conditions of Section 15 are met, the officer proceeds to record the marriage in the Marriage Certificate Book, which is then signed by Riya, Arjun, and three of their friends who attended as witnesses.