Actors Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal on Sunday married under the Special Marriage Act, after dating for seven years, in Mumbai. The couple’s wedding photos, shared on their social media handles, have gone viral, featuring
Zaheer signing the wedding documents
while Sonakshi stands with her father, veteran actor and politician Shatrughan Sinha.
The inter-faith couple
chose a civil marriage ceremony
over religious rituals.
The Special Marriage Act, 1954, is an Indian law that provides a special form of marriage for people of India and Indian nationals in foreign countries, regardless of their religion or faith. The Act was introduced to facilitate marriages that do not conform to the personal laws of different religions. It extends across India, and also applies to Indian citizens domiciled in territories where the Act is enforced.
Key provisions of the Special Marriage Act:
A look at the marriage process under the Special Marriage Act:
The Special Marriage Act outlines a detailed procedure for both the solemnisation and registration of marriage. The process includes:
The pros and cons of the Special Marriage Act:
Benefits include:
Challenges are:
Several high-profile couples have opted for the Special Marriage Act, setting an example for many others, such as Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan, Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Khemu, Sanjay Dutt and Manyata Dutt, Kishore Kumar and Madhubala.
Legal judgements around the Special Marriage Act
The implementation of the Special Marriage Act has seen various challenges and significant court judgments:
Despite its progressive framework, the Special Marriage Act faces challenges like societal pressures during the notice period and the need for better awareness, especially in rural areas. Advocates call for reducing the notice period and streamlining the process to protect couples’ privacy and rights.
The ongoing debate also includes same-sex marriages under the Act reflecting on the evolving understanding of marriage and equality in India.
The Special Marriage Act is a cornerstone of secularism and inclusivity in India’s diverse legal landscape. By providing a legal route for interfaith and inter-caste marriages, the Special Marriage Act upholds principles of equality and personal freedom.
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Love triumphs all as Sonakshi-Zaheer tie the knot under Special Marriage Act: What is it?
