How has the Pandemic affected Marriage Registration in India?

Social meetings are forbidden since the pandemic has hit the world. Social Marriages hence are also affected. Many people have chosen court Marriage Registration over social marriage functions to avoid crowds and assure social distance. Also, all marriages need to be registered under the Marriage Registration act to be recognized legally. 

Most people don’t know the exact process of getting married registration in India. But advisors should well educate everybody about the procedures of marriage registration. Basically, there are two categories of marriage mentioned in the Indian code of conduct: 

• The Hindu marriage act, 1955
• The Special marriage act,1954.

• The Hindu marriage act applies to cases where both the husband and wife are Hindus, Buddhists, Jains or Sikhs, or converted to any of these religions. 
• Marriages come under the ‘special marriage act, 1954’, when the husband and wife are not Hindus, Buddhists, Jains or Sikhs. 
• A couple who has already performed religious marriage and is applying for registration will also come under the ‘Special marriage act’.

Since the pandemic, online marriage registration is also another option available for newlywed couples. 

Depending upon the above criteria, the married people must fill the right application firms online or offline and submit. Online or offline, both the procedures need specific documentation:

1. Address proof
2. Identity proof (cannot be the same as address proof)
3. Birth certificate 
4. An affidavit, mentioning the place and date of marriage.
5. Photographs
6. The invitation card of wedding
7. A signed certificate of the priest who was conducting the marriage. 
8. Two physical witnesses who were present at the time of the marriage. 

You can also complete the registration through the web, it saves you from travelling, especially in times of covid. Things you have to do for this-download the forms, fill them and then submit them. You will still need to show up on the appointment date. 

For Marriage Registration Delhi:

1. Go to the marriage registration website of the state.
2. Online click ‘Make an appointment with DM’ and register.
3. Select your district name.
4. Fill in the details of the husband and select ‘registration of marriage certificate.’
5. Submit the application form.
6. Get the acknowledgement page and take a printout of it. 

Fees for marriage registration certificate in Delhi:

Rs. 100 for a case under the Hindu marriage act 

Rs. 150 for a case under the special marriage act. 

The Indian government recognizes marriages that religious institutions have handled, but for many official works in government offices, possession of a valid marriage registration certificate is necessary. For example:

1. For getting your name changed, a marriage registration certificate is a must-have. It is not possible to change your last name on all your official documents without your marriage certificate.
   
2. It helps in applying for visas together since both your names are registered together in marriage registration. 
   
3. A registration helps both the marriage partners to deal with issues during their marriage or if a spouse is dead. 
   
4. A marriage certificate is needed to help with any legal work relating to the marriage. 

Conclusion 

Technology never fails you, and even the pandemic doesn’t let you stop working. Marriage registration is an essential and starting stone to a long and healthy relationship. Online marriage registration has made things much more manageable than conventional methods and now in high demand.

Reference Link (Originally Posted): https://karunasharmadelhi.edublogs.org/2021/09/01/how-has-the-pandemic-affected-marriage-registration-in-india/