THE HINDU MARRIAGE ACT, 1955

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Balu. Saravana Sarma

THE HINDU MARRIAGE ACT, 1955

 ACT NO. 25 OF 1955 1*

 [18th May, 1955.]

 An Act to amend and codify the law relating to marriage among Hindus.

      BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixth Year of the Republic  of

 India as follows:-

1.

 Short title and extent.

      1.Short  title and extent. (1) This Act may be called  the  Hindu

 Marriage Act, 1955.

      (2)  It  extends to the whole of India except the State of  Jammu

 and  Kashmir, and applies also to Hindus domiciled in the  territories

 to which this Act extends who are outside the said territories.

2.

 Application of Act.

      2.Application of Act.(1) This Act applies-

           (a)  to any person who is a Hindu by religion in any of  its

          forms or developments, including a Virashaiva, a Lingayat  or

          a follower of the Brahmo, Prarthana or Arya Samaj,

           (b)  to  any  person  who is a Buddhist, Jaina  or  Sikh  by

          religion, and

           (c)  to  any  other person domiciled in the  territories  to

          which this Act extends who is not a Muslim, Christian,  Parsi

          or Jew by religion, unless it is proved that any such  person

          would  not  have  been governed by the Hindu law  or  by  any

          custom or usage as part of that law in respect of any of  the

          matters dealt with herein if this Act had not been passed.

           Explanation.-The  following persons are  Hindus,  Buddhists,

          Jainas or  Sikhs by religion, as the case may be :-

           (a)  any  child, legitimate or illegitimate, both  of  whose

          parents are Hindus, Buddhists, Jains or Sikhs by religion;

           (b)  any  child,  legitimate or illegitimate, one  of  whose

          parents is Hindu, Buddhist, Jaina or Sikh by religion and who

is

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 1  The  Act has been extended to Dadra and Nagar Haveli  (w.e.f.  1-7-

 1965)  by Reg. 6 of 1963, s. 2 and Sch.  I and to Pondicherry  (w.e.f.

 1-10-1963) with modification by Reg. 7 of 1963, s. 3 and Sch.  I.

 Amended in Tamil Nadu by T.N.Act 21 of 1967.

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           brought  up  as a member of the tribe, community,  group  or

          family to which such parent belongs or belonged ; and

          (c)   any person who is a convert or reconvert to the Hindu,

           Buddhist, Jaina or Sikh religion.

      (2)  Notwithstanding  anything  contained  in  sub-section   (1),

 nothing  contained  in  this Act shall apply to  the  members  of  any

 Scheduled  Tribe within the meaning of clause (25) of article  366  of

 the Constitution unless the Central Government, by notification in the

 Official Gazette, otherwise directs.

      (3)  The  expression "Hindu" in any portion of this Act shall  be

 construed  as  if  it included a person who, though  not  a  Hindu  by

 religion,  is,  nevertheless,  a person to whom this  Act  applies  by

 virtue of the provisions contained in this section.

3.

 Definitions.

      3.Definitions.   In  this  Act,  unless  the  context   otherwise

 requires,-

           (a). the  expressions "custom" and "usage"  signify  anyrule

          which, having been continuously and uniformly observed for  a

          long time, has obtained the force of law among Hindus in  any

          local area, tribe, community, group or family:

           Provided  that the rule is certain and not  unreasonable  or

          opposed to public policy; and

           Provided further that in the case of a rule applicable  only

          to a family it has not been discontinued by the family;

           (b)  "district court" means, in any area for which there  is

          a  city  civil court, that court, and in any other  area  the

          principal civil court of original jurisdiction, and  includes

          any  other  civil court which may be specified by  the  State

          Government,  by  notification  in the  Official  Gazette,  as

          having  jurisdiction in respect of the matters dealt with  in

          this Act;

           (c)  "full  blood" and "half blood"-two persons are said  to

          be  related  to  each  other by  full  blood  when  they  are

          descended from a common ancestor by the same wife and by half

          blood  when they are descended from a common ancestor but  by

          different wives;

           (d)  "uterine  blood"-two persons are said to be related  to

          each  other by uterine blood when they are descended  from  a

          common ancestress but by different husbands.

      Explanation.-In  clauses (c) and (d),  "ancestor"  includes   the

 father and "ancestress" the mother;

          (e)   "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under  this

          Act;

          (f) (i)    "sapinda  relationship"  with  reference  to   any

          person extends as far as the third generation (inclusive)  in

          the  line  of  ascent  through  the  mother,  and  the  fifth

          (inclusive)  in  the line of ascent through the  father,  the

          line  being  traced  upwards in each  case  from  the  person

          concerned, who is to be counted as the first generation;

          (ii)  two persons are said to be "sapindas" of each other  if

          one  is a lineal ascendant of the other within the limits  of

          sapinda  relationship,  or  if  they  have  a  common  lineal

          ascendant  who is within the limits of  sapinda  relationship

          with reference to each of them;

          (g)   "degrees  of prohibited relationship"-two  persons  are

          said to be within the "degrees of prohibited relationship"--

               (i) if     one is a lineal ascendant of the other; or

               (ii)  if  one  was  the  wife or  husband  of  a  lineal

               ascendant or descendant of the other ; or

               (iii) if  one  was  the wife of the brother  or  of  the

               father's or mother's brother or of the grandfather's  or

               grandmother's brother of the other; or

               (iv)  if  the  two  are brother and  sister,  uncle  and

               niece,  aunt  and  nephew, or children  of  brother  and

               sister or of two brothers or of two sisters ;

      Explanation.-For the purposes of clauses (f) and (g),  relationship

 includes-

               (i)   relationship  by half or uterine blood as well  as

               by full blood;

               (ii)  illegitimate   blood  relationship  as   well   as

               legitimate;

               (iii) relationship by adoption as well as by blood ; and

               all  terms  of relationship in those  clauses  shall  be

               construed accordingly.

4.

 Oveirriding effect of Act.

      4.Oveirriding effect of Act. Save as otherwise expressly provided

 in this Act,-

          (a)   any  text  rule or interpretation of Hindu law  or  any

          custom  or  usage as part of that law  in  force  immediately

          before

                            (Hindu marriages.)

           the commencement of this Act shall cease to have effect with

          respect  to  any matter for which provision is made  in  this

                   Act;

           (b)  any   other  law  in  force  immediately   before   the

          commencement of this Act shall cease to have effect in so far

          as it is inconsistent with any of the provisions contained in

          this Act.

                            HINDU MARRIAGES

5.

 Conditions for a Hindu marriage.

      5.   A marriage may be solemnized between any two hindus, if  the

 following conditions are fulfilled, namely:-

           (i)  neither  party has a spouse living at the time  of  the

          marriage

          1[(ii)at the time of the marriage, neither party-

                (a)is  incapable  of giving a valid consent  to  it  in

               consequence of unsoundness of mind; or

                (b)though  capable of giving a valid consent, has  been

               suffering from mental disorder of such a kind or to such

               an   extent  as  to  be  unfit  for  marriage  and   the

               procreation of children; or

                (c)has been subject to recurrent attacks of insanity or

               epilepsy;]

           (iii)     the bridegroom has completed the age of  2[twenty-

          one years] and the bride the age of 2[eighteen years] at  the

          time of the marriage;

           (iv.)     the   parties  are  not  within  the  degrees   of

          prohibited relationship unless the custom or usage  governing

          each of them permits of a marriage between the two;

           (v)  the parties are not sapindas of each other, unless  the

          custom or usage governing each of them permits of a  marriage

          between the two.

          3* * * * * * * *    *

6.

 Guardianship in marriage.

      6.Guardianship  in marriage. [Guardianship   in marriage.]   Rep.

 by Act 2 of 1978, s. 6 and Sch. (w.e.f. 1-10-1978).

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 1 Subs, by Act 68 of 1976, s. 2, for cl. (ii).

 2  Subs. by Act 2 of 1978, s. 6     and Sch., for "eighteen years" and

 "fifteen years" respectively (w.e.f. 1-10-1978).

 3 Cl. (vi) omitted by s. 6 and Sch., ibid. (w.e.f. 1-10-1978).

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7.

 Ceremonies for a Hindu marriage.

      7. Ceremonies  for  a Hindu marriage. (1) A Hindu marriage may be

 solemnized  in accordance with the customary rites and  ceremonies  of

 either party thereto.

      (2)  Where such rites and ceremonies include the saptapadi  (that

 is, the taking of seven steps by the bridegroom and the bride  jointly

 before  the  sacred fire), the marriage becomes complete  and  binding

 when the seventh step is taken.

8.

 Registration of Hindu marriages.

      8. Registration of  Hindu   marriages. (1) For  the  purpose   of

 facilitating  the proof of Hindu marriages, the State  Government  may

 make rules providing that the parties to any of such marriage may have

 the particulars relating to their marriage entered in such manner  and

 subject  to such conditions as may be prescribed in a  Hindu  Marriage

 Register kept for the purpose.

      (2)  Notwithstanding any thing contained in sub-section (1),  the

 State  Government  may, if it is of opinion that it  is  necessary  or

 expedient  so  to  do, provide that the entering  of  the  particulars

 referred to in sub-section (1) shall be compulsory in the State or  in

 any  part  thereof, whether in all cases or in such cases  as  may  be

 specified,  and where any such direction has been issued,  any  person

 contravening  any  rule made in this behalf shall be  punishable  with

 fine which may extend to twenty-five rupees.

      (3)  All  rules made under this section shall be laid before  the

 State Legislature, as soon as may be, after they are made.

      (4)  The Hindu Marriage Register shall at all reasonable times be

 open  for  inspection,  and shall be admissible  as  evidence  of  the

 statements  therein contained and certified extracts therefrom  shall,

 on  application,  be given by the Registrar on payment to him  of  the

 prescribed fee.

      (5)  Notwithstanding  anything  contained In  this  section,  the

 validity  of  any Hindu marriage shall in no way be  affected  by  the

 omission to Make the entry,

           RESTITUTION OF CONJUGAL RIGHTS AND JUDICIAL SEPARATION

9.

 Restitution of conjugal right.

      9. Restitution of cojugal right. 1***  When  either  the  husband

 or  the  wife  has,  without reasonable    excuse,  withdrawn from the

 society  of  the  other, the aggrieved party may apply, by petition to

 the district court, for restitution of conjugal rights land the court,

 on being satisfied of  the  truth  of  the  statements  made  in  such

 petition  and that there is no legal ground why the application should

 not be granted, may decree restitution of conjugal rights accordingly.

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 1 The brackets and figure  "(1)"  omitted by Act 68 of 1976, s. 3.

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      1[Explanation.-Where  a  question arises whether there  has  been

 reasonable excuse for withdrawal from the society, the burden of prov-

 ing  reasonable excuse shall be on the person who has  withdrawn  from

 the society.]

 2*        *         *         *         *

10.

 Judicial separation.

        10.3[Judicial separation. (1)Either patty to a marriage,  whether

 solemnized before or after the commencement of this Act, may present a

 petition  praying for a decree for judicial separation on any  of  the

 grounds specified in sub-section (1) of section 13, and in the case of

 a  wife  also  on  any of the grounds  specified  in  sub-section  (2)

 thereof,  as grounds on which a petition for divorce might  have  been

 presented.]

      (2)  Where  a decree for judicial separation has been passed,  it

 shall  no longer be obligatory for the petitioner to cohabit with  the

 respondent,  but  the  court may, on the application  by  petition  of

 either  party  and on being satisfied of the truth of  the  statements

 made in such petition, rescind the decree if it considers it just  and

 reasonable to do so.

                    NULLITY OF MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE

11.

 Void marriages.

       11.Void marriages.  Any    marriage    solemnized    after    the

 commencement of this Act shall be null and void and may, on a petition

 presented  by either party thereto 4[against the other party],  be  so

 declared  by  a  decree of nullity if it contravenes any  one  of  the

 conditions specified in clauses (i), (iv) and (v) of section 5.

12.

 Voidable marriages.

      12.Voidable marriages. (1)Any marriage solemnized, whether before

 or  after the commencement of this Act, shall be voidable and  may  be

 annulled  by  a  decree of nullity on any of  the  following  grounds,

 namely:-

           5[(a) that the marriage has not been consummated owing to the

          importance of the respondent ; or]

          (b) that   the marriage is in contravention of the  condition

          specified in clause (ii) of section 5 ; or

          (c) that   the  consent  of  the  petitioner,  or  where  the

          consent  of the guardian in marriage of the petitioner  6[was

          required under

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 1 Ins. by Act 68 of 1976, s.3.

 2 Sub-section (2) omitted by s. 3, ibid.

 3 Subs. by s. 4. ibid., for sub-section (1).

 4 Ins. by s. 5, ibid.

 5 Subs. by s. 6, ibid,  for cl. (a).

 6 subs. by Act 2 of, 1978, s. 6 and Sch. for certain words (w.e.f.  1-

 10-1978).

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           section 5 as it stood immediately before the commencement  of

          the  Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Act, 1978],  (2  of

          1978) the consent of such guardian was obtained by force 1[or

          by  fraud  as   to the nature of the ceremony or  as  to  any

          material fact or circumstances concerning the respondent]; or

          (d)   that  the  respondent was at the time of  the  marriage

          pregnant by some person other than the petitioner.

      (2)  Notwithstanding  anything contained in sub-section  (1),  no

 petition for annulling a marriage-

          (a)   on  the ground specified in clause (c)  of  sub-section

               (1) shall be entertained if-

               (i)   the petition is presented more than one year after

               the force had ceased to operate or, as the case may  be,

               the fraud  had been discovered; or

               (ii)  the petitioner has, with his or her full  consent,

               lived with the other party to the marriage as husband or

               wife-after  the force had ceased to operate or,  as  the

               case may be, the fraud had been discovered;

          (b)   on  the ground specified in clause (d)  of  sub-section

               (1) shall be entertained unless the court is satisfied-

               (i)   that  the  petitioner  was  at  the  time  of  the

               marriage ignorant of the facts alleged;

               (ii)  that proceedings have been instituted in the  case

               of a marriage solemnized before the commencement of this

               Act within one year of such commencement and in the case

               of  marriages solemnized after such commencement  within

               one year from the date of the marriage; and

               (iii) that  marital intercourse with the consent of  the

               petitioner  has not taken place since the  discovery  by

               the petitioner of the existence of 2[the said ground].

13.

 Divorce.

      13. Divorce. (1) Any   marriage   solemnized,  whether  before or

 after the  commencement of this Act, may, on a petition  presented by

 either the

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 1 Subs. by Act 68 of 1976, s. 6, for "or fraud".

 2 Subs. by s. 6, ibid., for "the grounds for a decree".

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 husband or the wife, be dissolved by a decree of divorce on the ground

 that the other party-

          1[(i)  has,  after  the solemnization of  the  marriage,  had

          voluntary, sexual intercourse with any person other than  his

          or her spouse ; or

          (ia)  has, after the solemnization of the  marriage,  treated

          the petitioner with cruelty; or

          (ib)  has deserted the petitioner for a continuous period  of

          not   less   than  two  years   immediately   preceding   the

          presentation of the petition; or]

          (ii)  has  ceased  to  be a Hindu by  conversion  to  another

          religion; or

          1[(iii) has been incurably  of  unsound  mind,  or  has  been

          suffering continuously or intermittently from mental disorder

          of  such  a kind and to such an extent  that  the  petitioner

          cannot reasonably be expected to live with the respondent.

 Explanation.-In this clause,-

               (a)   the  expression  "mental  disorder"  means  mental

               illness,  arrested  or incomplete development  of  mind,

               psychopathic   disorder   or  any  other   disorder   or

               disability of mind and includes schizophrenia;

               (b)   the  expression  "psychopathic disorder"  means  a

               persistent  disorder or disability of mind  (whether  or

               not  including  sub-normality  of  intelligence)   which

               results   in   abnormally   aggressive   or    seriously

               irresponsible  conduct on the part of the  other  party,

               and  whether  or  not it require or  is  susceptible  to

               medical treatment; or]

          (iv) has 2* * *  been suffering from a virulent and incurable

          from of leprosy; or

          (v)   has  2* * * been suffering from venereal disease  in  a

          communicable from ; or

          (vi)  has  renounced  the  world by  entering  any  religious

          order; or

          (vii) has  not been heard of as being alive for a  period  of

          seven years or more by those persons who would naturally have

          heard of it, had that party been alive.

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 1 Subs. by Act 68 of 1976, s. 7. for the former cl.

 2 Certain words omitted by s. 7, ibid

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       1[Explanation.-In  this sub-section, the  expression  "desertion"

 means  the  desertion  of the petitioner by the  other  party  to  the

 marriage  without reasonable cause and without the consent or  against

 the  wish  of  such  party, and includes the  wilful  neglect  of  the

 petitioner  by  the other party to the marriage, and  its  grammatical

 variations and cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly.]

       3* * * * * * * *    *

      4[ (1A) Either party to a marriage, whether solemnized before  or

 after  the commencement of this Act, may also present a  petition  for

 the dissolution of the marriage by a decree of divorce on the ground-

           (i)  that  there has been no resumption of  cohabitation  as

          between  the  parties to the marriage for a period  of  5[one

          year]  or upwards after the passing of a decree for  judicial

          separation in a proceeding to which they were parties; or

           (ii) that  there has been no restitution of conjugal  rights

          as between the parties to the marriage for a period of  5[one

          year]   or  upwards  after  the  passing  of  a  decree   for

          restitution of conjugal rights in a proceeding to which  they

          were parties.]

      (2)  A  wife may also present a petition for the  dissolution  of

 her marriage by a decree of divorce on the ground,-

           (i)  in  the  case  of any marriage  solemnized  before  the

          commencement of this Act, that the husband had married  again

          before  such  commencement  or that any  other  wife  of  the

          husband  married  before such commencement was alive  at  the

          time of the solemnization of the marriage of the petitioner:

      Provided that in either case the other wife is alive at the  time

 of the presentation of the petition ; or

           (ii).that  the husband has, since the solemnization  of  the

          marriage, been guilty of rape, sodomy or 6[bestiality; or]

           7[(iii) that in suit under section 18 of the Hindu Adoptions

          and  Maintenance Act, 1956, (78 of 1956.) or in a  proceeding

          under section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973  (2

          of 1974.) (or under the

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------

 1    Ins. by Act 68 of 1976, s. 7.

 2. The word "or" at the end of cl. (vii) omitted by Act 44 of 1964, s.

 3 Cls. (viii) and (ix) omitted by s. 2, ibid.

 4 Ins. by s. 2, ibid.

 5. Subs. by Act 68 of 1976, s. 7, for "two years".

 6.Subs. by s. 7, ibid., for "bestiality".

 7. "Ins. by s. 7, ibid.

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          corresponding section 488 of the Code of Criminal  Procedure,

          1898), (5 of 1898.) a decree or order, as the case may    be,

          has  been passed against the husband awarding maintenance  to

          the  wife notwithstanding that she was living apart and  that

          since  the  passing  of such decree  or  order,  cohabitation

          between  the  parties has not been resumed for  one  year  or

          upwards;

          (iv)  that  her  marriage (whether consummated  or  not)  was

          Solemnized  before she attained the age of fifteen years  and

          she has repudiated the marriage after attaining that age  but

          before attaining the age of eighteen years.

      Explanation.-This   clause  applies  whether  the  marriage   was

 solemnized  before  or  after the commencement of  the  Marriage  Laws

 (Amendment) Act, 1976.] (68 of 1976.)

      1[13A.Alternate relief in divorce proceedings.  In any proceeding

 under this Act, on a petition for dissolution of marriage by a  decree

 of divorce, except in so far as the petition is founded on the grounds

 mentioned in clauses (ii), (vi) and (vii) of sub-section (1) of section

 13,  the court may, if it considers it just so to do having regard  to

 the  circumstances  of the case, pass instead a  decree  for  judicial

 separation.

      13B.Divorce  by mutual consent. (1)Subject to the  provisions  of

 this Act a petition for dissolution of marriage by a decree of divorce

 may  be  presented  to the district court by both  the  parties  to  a

 marriage  together,  whether such marriage was  solemnized  before  or

 after the commencement of the Marriage Laws (Amendment) Act, 1976, (68

 of  1976.) on the ground that they have been living separately  for  a

 period  of  one  year or more, that they have not been  able  to  live

 together and that thy have mutually agreed that the marriage should be

 dissolved.

      (2)  On the motion of both the parties made not earlier than  six

 months after the date of the presentation of the petition referred  to

 in  sub-section (1) and not later than eighteen months after the  said

 date,  if  the petition is not withdrawn in the  meantime,  the  court

 shall, on being satisfied, after hearing the parties and after  making

 such inquiry as it thinks fit, that a marriage has been solemnized and

 that the averments in the petition are true, pass a decree of  divorce

 declaring  the marriage to be dissolved with effect from the  date  of

 the decree.]

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------

 1 Ins. by Act 68 of 1976 s. 8.

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14.

 No petition for divorce to be presented within one year of marriage.

      14. No  petition  for divorce to be presented within one year  of

 marriage. (1)Notwithstanding anything contained in this  Act, it shall

 not  be  competent  for  any  court  to  entertain  any  petition  for

 dissolution of a marriage by a decree of divorce, 1[unless at the date

 of  the  presentation  of the petition one year has elapsed] since the

 date of the marriage:

      Provided  that  the  court may, upon application made  to  it  in

 accordance     with  such rules as may be made by the High  Court  in.

 that  behalf, allow a petition to be presented 1[before one  year  has

 elapsed] since the date of the marriage on the ground that the case is

 one  of  exceptional  hardship to the  petitioner  or  of  exceptional

 depravity  on  the part of the respondent, but if it  appears  to  the

 court  at  the hearing of the petition that  the  petitioner  obtained

 leave to present the petition by any misrepresentation or  concealment

 of  the nature of the case, the court may, if it pronounces a  decree,

 do  so subject to the condition that the decree shall not have  effect

 until after the 1[expiry of one year] from the date of the marriage or

 may  dismiss the petition without prejudice to any petition which  may

 be brought after the 1[expiration of the said one year] upon the  same

 or  substantially  the same facts as those alleged in support  of  the

 petition so dismissed.

      (2)  In disposing of any application under this section for leave

 to present a petition for divorce before the 1[expiration of one year]

 from the  date  of the marriage, the court shall have  regard  to  the

 interests of any children of the marriage and to the question  whether

 there  is  a reasonable  probability of a reconciliation  between  the

 parties before the expiration of the 1[said one year].

15.

 Divorced persons when may marry again.

      15.Divorced  persons  when may marry again. When a  marriage  has

 been  dissolved by a decree of divorce an either there is no right  of

 appeal  against the decree or, if there is such right of  appeal,  the

 time  for  appealing  has  expired  without  an  appeal  having   been

 presented,  or an appeal has been presented but has been dismissed  it

 shall be lawful for either party to the marriage to marry again.

 2*        *         *         *         *

16.

 Legitimacy of children of void and voidable marriages.

      3[16(1)Legitimacy  of  children of void and  voidable  marriages.

 Notwithstanding that a marriage is null and void under section 11, any

 child of such marriage who would have been legitimate if the  marriage

 had been valid, shall be legitimate, whether such child is born before

 or after the commencement of the Marriage Laws.

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

 1 Subs. by Act (68 of 1976. s. 9 for certain words.

 2 Proviso-omitted by S. 10, ibid.

 3 Subs. by s. 11, ibid for s. 16.

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      (Amendment) Act, 1976, (68 of 1976.) and whether or not a  decree

 of  nullity is granted in respect of that marriage under this Act  and

 whether  or  not the marriage is held to be void otherwise than  on  a

 petition under this Act.

      (2)  Where  a  decree  of  nullity is granted  in  respect  of  a

 voidable  marriage under section 12, any child begotten  or  conceived

 before the decree is made, who would have been the legitimate child of

 the  parties to the marriage if at the date of the decree it had  been

 dissolved  instead  of  being annulled, shall be deemed  to  be  their

 legitimate child notwithstanding the decree of nullity.

      (3)  Nothing  contained  in sub-section (1)  or  sub-section  (2)

 shall be construed as conferring upon any child of a marriage which is

 null  and  void  or which Is annulled by a  decree  of  nullity  under

 section 12, any rights in or to the property of any person, other than

 the parents, in any case where, but for the passing of this Act,  such

 child  would have been incapable of possessing or acquiring  any  such

 rights  by  reason  of  his not being  the  legitimate  child  of  his

 parents.]

17.

 Punishment of bigamy.

      17.Punishment of bigamy. Any   marriage   between   two    Hindus

 solemnized after the commencement  of this Act is void if at the  date

 of  such marriage either party had a husband or wife living ; and  the

 provisions  of  sections 494 and 495 of the Indian  Penal (45 of 1860)

 Code  shall apply accordingly.

18.

 Punishment  for contravention of certain other conditions for a  Hindumarriage.

      18.Punishment for contravention of certain other conditions for a

 Hindu  marriage.  Every person who procures a marriage of  himself  or

 herself  to  be  solemnized under this Act  in  contravention  of  the

 conditions  specified in clauses (iii), (iv) 1[and (v) ] of section  5

 shall be punishable-

          (a)   in  the  case  of  a  contravention  of  the  condition

          specified   in  clause  (iii)  of  section  5,  with   simple

          imprisonment  which may extend to fifteen days, or with  fine

          which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both;

          (b)   in  the  case  of  a  contravention  of  the  condition

          specified  in  clause (iv) or clause (v) of section  5,  with

          simple  imprisonment which may extend to one month,  or  with

          fine  which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with  both;

          2***

          3*        *         *         *         *

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------

 1 Subs. by Act 2 of 1978. s. 6 and Sch., for "(v) and (vi)" (w.e.f. 1-

 10-1978).

 2 The word "and" omitted by s. 6 and Sch.. ibid. (w.e.f. 1-10-1978).

 3 Cl. (c) omitted by s. 6 and Sch, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-10-1978).

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------

                JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE

19.

 Court to which petition shall be presented.

      1[19.Court to which petition shall be presented.  Every  petition

 under  this  Act shall be presented to the district court  within  the

 local limits of whose ordinary original civil jurisdiction--

          (i)   the marriage was solemnized, or

          (ii)  the respondent, at the time of the presentation of  the

          petition, resides, or

          (iii) the parties to the marriage last resided together, or

          (iv)  the   petitioner  is  residing  at  the  time  of   the

          presentation of the petition, in a case where the  respondent

          is,  at that time, residing outside the territories to  which

          this Act extends, or has not been heard of as being alive for

          a  period of seven years or more by those persons  who  would

          naturally have heard of him if he were alive.]

20.

 contents and verification of petitions.

      20. contents  and  verification of  petitions. (1)Every  petition

 presented  under this Act shall state as distinctly as the  nature  of

 the  case permits the facts on which the claim to relief is founded  2

 [and,  except in a petition under section 11, shall also  state]  that

 there  is no collusion between the petitioner and the other  party  to

 the marriage.

      (2)  The  statements contained in every petition under  this  Act

 shall be verified by the petitioner or some other competent person  in

 the  manner required by law for the verification of plaints, and  may,

 at the hearing, be referred to as evidence.

21.

 Application of Act 5 of 1908.

      21.Application  of Act 5 of 1908.Subject to the other  provisions

 contained in this Act and to such rules as the High Court may make  in

 this behalf, all proceedings under this Act shall be regulated, as far

 as may be, by the Code of Civil Procedure 1908.

      3[21A.(1)Power to transfer petitions in certain cases- Where-

          (a) a petition  under  this  Act  has  been  presented  to  a

          district  court having jurisdiction by a party to a  marriage

          praying for a decree for judicial separation under section 10

          or for a decree of divorce under section 13, and

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

 1 Subs. by Act 68 of 1976, s. 12, for section 19.

 2 Subs.  by s. 13, ibid., for "and shall also state".

 3 Ins. by s. 14, ibid.

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

          (b)   another  petition  under this Act  has  been  presented

          thereafter  by the other party to the marriage praying for  a

          decree  for  judicial separation under section 10  or  for  a

          decree of divorce under section 13 on any ground, whether  in

          the same district court or in a different district court,  in

          the same State or in a different State,

 the petitions shall be dealt with as specified in sub-section (2).

      (2)  In a case where sub-section (1) applies,-

          (a)   if  the  petitions are presented to the  same  district

          court,  both the petitions shall be tried and heard  together

          by that district court;

          (b)   if  the petitions are presented to  different  district

          courts, the petition presented later shall be transferred  to

          the  district  court  in  which,  the  earlier  petition  was

          presented and both the petitions shall be heard and  disposed

          of  together  by  the district court  in  which  the  earlier

          petition was presented.

      (3)  In  a case where clause (b) of sub-section (2) applies,  the

 court or the Government, as the case may be, competent under the  Code

 of  Civil Procedure, 1908 to transfer any suit or proceeding from  the

 district court in which the later petition has been presented to   the

 district  court  in  which  the earlier  petition  is  pending,  shall

 exercise its powers to transfer such later petition as if it had  been

 empowered so to do under the said Code,

      21B. Special   provision   relating  to  trial  and  disposal  of

 petitions  under  the  Act. (1)The trial of a petition under this  Act

 shall,  so  far as is practicable consistently with the  interests  of

 justice  in respect of the trial, be continued from clay to day  until

 its  conclusion  unless the court finds the adjournment of  the  trial

 beyond the following day to be, necessary for reasons to be recorded.

      (2)  Every   petition   under  this  Act  shall   be   tried   as

 expeditiously as possible and endeavour shall be made to conclude  the

 trial  within  six months from the date of service of  notice  of  the

 petition on the respondent.

      (3)  Every appeal under this Act shall be heard as  expeditiously

 as  possible,  and  endeavour shall be made to  conclude  the  hearing

 within  three months from the date of service of notice of  appeal  on

 the respondent.

      21C.Documentary   evidence.  Notwithstanding  anything   in   any

 enactment  to  the  contrary, no document  shall  be  inadmissible  in

 evidence  in any proceeding at the trial of a petition under this  Act

 on the ground that it is not duly stamped or registered.]

      1[22.proceedings  to  be  in  camera  and may not be  printed  or

 published. (1)Every proceeding under this Act shall  be  conducted  in

 camera  and it shall not be lawful for any person to print or  publish

 any matter in relation to any such proceeding except a judgment of the

 High  Court  or  of the Supreme Court printed or  published  with  the

 previous permission of the Court.

      (2)If any person prints or publishes any matter in  contravention

 of the provisions contained in sub-section (1), he shall be punishable

 with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.]

23.

 Decree in proceedings.

      23. Decree  in proceedings. (1)In any proceeding under this  Act,

 whether defended or not, if the court is satisfied that-

          (a)   any  of the grounds for granting relief exists and  the

         petitioner 2[except in cases where the relief is sought by him

          on the ground specified in sub-clause (a), sub-clause (b)  or

          subclause (c) of clause (ii) or section 5] is not in any  way

          taking advantage of his or her own wrong  or  disability  for

          the purpose of such relief, and

          (b) where the ground of the petition is the  ground specified

          or  3*  *  *  in  clause  (i)  of sub-section (1) of  section

          13, the petitioner has not in any manner been accessory to or

          connived at or condoned  the  act or  acts  complained of, or

          where the ground of the petition  is  cruelty  the petitioner

          has not in any manner condoned the cruelty, and

          2[(bb)  when  a  divorce is sought on the  ground  of  mutual

          consent,  such consent has not been obtained by force,  fraud

          or undue influence, and]

          (C)   4[the  petition (not being a petition  presented  under

          section 11)] is not presented or prosecuted in collusion with

          the respondent, and

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------

 1 Subs. by Act 68 of 1976, s. 15, for s. 22.

 2 Ins. by s. 16, ibid.

 3 Certain words omitted by s. 16, ibid.

 4 Subs. by s.16, ibid.,for "the petition".

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------

          (d)   there has not been any unnecessary or improper delay in

          instituting the proceeding, and

          (e)   there is no other legal ground why relief should not be

          granted,  then,  and in such a case, but not  otherwise,  the

          court shall decree such relief accordingly.

      (2)  Before  proceeding  to grant any relief under this  Act,  it

 shall  be the duty of the court in the first instance, in  every  case

 where  it  is  possible  so to do consistently  with  the  nature  and

 circumstances  of the case, to make every endeavour to bring  about  a

 reconciliation between the parties :

      1[Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall apply

 to  any  proceeding  wherein relief is sought on any  of  the  grounds

 specified  in  clause  (ii), clause (iii), clause  (iv),  clause  (v),

 clause (vi) or clause (vii) of sub-section (1) of section 13.]

      2[ (3) For the purpose of aiding the court in bringing about such

 reconciliation,  the  court may, if the parties so desire  or  if  the

 court thinks it just and proper so to do, adjourn the proceedings  for

 a reasonable period not exceeding fifteen days and refer the matter to

 any  person  named  by the parties in this behalf  or  to  any  person

 nominated  by the court if the parties fail to name any  person,  with

 directions to report to the court as to whether reconciliation can  be

 and  has  been,  effected  and the court shall  in  disposing  of  the

 proceeding have due regard to the report.

      (4)  In  every case where a marriage is dissolved by a decree  of

 divorce,  the court passing the decree shall give a copy thereof  free

 of cost to each of the parties.]

      3[23A.Relief  for  respondent in divorce and  other  proceedings.

 In any proceeding for divorce or judicial separation or restitution of

 conjugal rights, the respondent may not only oppose the relief  sought

 on the ground of petitioner's adultery, cruelty or desertion, but also

 make a counter-claim for any relief under this Act on that ground; and

 if  the  petitioner's adultery, cruelty or desertion  is  proved,  the

 court  may  give to the respondent any relief under this Act to  which

 he  or  she  would have been entitled if he or  she  had  presented  a

 petition seeking, such relief on that ground.]

24.

 Maintenance Pendente lite and expenses proceedings.

      24.Maintenance  Pendente lite and expenses proceedings. Where  in

 any proceeding under this Act it appears to the court that either  the

 wife or the husband, as the case may be, has no independent

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

 1    Added by Act 68 of 1976, s. 16.

 2  Ins. by s. 16. ibid.

 3 Ins. by s. 17, ibid.

 --------------------------------------------------------------------

 166A

 income sufficient for her or his support and the necessary expenses of

 the proceeding, it may, on the application of the wife or the husband,

 order  the  respondent to pay to the petitioner the  expenses  of  the

 proceeding,  and  monthly during the proceeding such  sum  as,  having

 regard  to  the  petitioner's  own  income  and  the  income  of   the

 respondent, it may seem to the court to be reasonable.

25.

 Permanent alimony and maintenance.

      25. Permanent  alimony and maintenance. (1)Any  court  exercising

 jurisdiction under this Act may, at the time of passing any decree  or

 at  any  time subsequent thereto, on application made to  it  for  the

 purpose  by either the wife or the husband, as the case may be,  order

 that  the  respondent shall 1*** pay to the applicant for her  or  his

 maintenance  and support such gross sum or such monthly or  periodical

 sum  for  a term not exceeding the life of the  applicant  as,  having

 regard to the respondent's own income and other property, if any,  the

 income  and  other  property of the applicant, 2[the  conduct  of  the

 parties and other circumstances of the case], it may seem to the court

 to  be just, and any such payment may be secured, if necessary,  by  a

 charge on the immovable property of the respondent.

      (2)  If  the  court is satisfied that there is a  change  in  the

 circumstances  of either party at any time after it has made an  order

 under  sub-section (1), it may at the instance of either party,  vary,

 modify or rescind any such order in such manner as the court may  deem

 just.

      (3)  If the court is satisfied that the party in whose favour  an

 order  has  been made under this section has re-married  or,  if  such

 party is the wife, that she has not remained chaste, or, if such party

 is  the  husband, that he has had sexual intercourse  with  any  woman

 outside  wedlock,  2[it may at the instance of the other  party  vary,

 modify or rescind any such order in such manner as the court may  deem

 just].

26.

 Custody of children.

      26.Custody of children.  In  any proceeding under this  Act,  the

 court  may, from time to time, pass such interim orders and make  such

 provisions  in the decree as it may deem just and proper with  respect

 to   the  custody,  maintenance  and  education  of  minor   children,

 consistently with their wishes, wherever possible, and may, after  the

 decree,  upon application by petition for the purpose, make from  time

 to time, all such, orders and provisions with respect to the  custody,

 maintenance and education of such children as ,might have been made by

 such decree or interim orders in case the

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------

 1 The words "while the applicant remains unmarried" omitted by Act  68

 of  1976, s. 18.

 2 Subs. by s. 18, ibid., for certain words.

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------

 166B

 proceeding for obtaining such decree were still pending, and the court

 may also from time to time revoke, suspend or vary any such orders and

 provisions previously made.

27.

 Disposal of property.

      27.Disposal  of  property.In any proceeding under this  Act,  the

 court  may  make such provisions in the decree as it  deems  just  and

 proper with respect to any property presented, at or about the time of

 marriage, Which may belong jointly to both the husband and the wife.

28.

 Appeals from decrees and orders.

       1[28. Appeals from decrees and orders. (1)All decrees made by the

 court  in  any  proceeding  under  this  Act  shall,  subject  to  the

 provisions  of sub-section (3), be appealable as decrees of the  court

 made  in  the exercise of its original civil jurisdiction,  and  every

 such  appeal  shall lie to the court to which appeals  ordinarily  lie

 from the decisions of the court given in the exercise of its  original

 civil jurisdiction.

      (2)  Orders  made by the court in any proceeding under  this  Act

 under  section  25 or section 26 shall, subject to the  provisions  of

 sub-section (3),  be appealable if they are not  interim  orders,  and

 every  such appeal shall lie to the court to which appeals  ordinarily

 lie from the decisions of the court given in exercise of its  original

 civil jurisdiction.

      (3)  There  shall be no appeal under this section on the  subject

 of costs only.

      (4)  Every-appeal under this section shall be preferred within  a

 period of thirty days from the date of the decree or order.

      28A.Enforcement  of decrees and orders.   All decrees and  orders

 made  by the court in any proceeding under this Act shall be  enforced

 in the like manner as the decrees and orders of the court made in  the

 exercise  of  its original civil jurisdiction for the time  being  are

 enforced.]

                          SAVINGS AND REPEALS

29.

 Savings.

      29. Savings. (1)A marriage solemnized between Hindus  before  the

 commencement  of  this  Act, which is otherwise valid,  shall  not  be

 deemed  to be invalid or ever to have been invalid by reason  only  of

 the  fact  that  the parties thereto belonged to  the  same  gotra  or

 pravara or belonged to different religions, castes or sub-divisions of

 the same caste.

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

 1 Subs. by Act 68 of 1976, s. 19.

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

 166c

       (2)  Nothing contained in this Act shall be deemed to affect  any

 right  recognised by custom or conferred by any special  enactment  to

 obtain the dissolution of a Hindu marriage, whether solemnized  before

 or after the commencement of this Act.

      (3)  Nothing  contained in this Act shall affect  any  proceeding

 under  any law for the time being in force for declaring any  marriage

 to be null and void or for annulling or dissolving any marriage or for

 judicial  separation pending at the commencement of this Act, and  any

 such proceeding may be continued and determined as if this Act had not

 been passed.

      (4)  Nothing contained in this Act shall be deemed to affect  the

 provisions  contained in the Special Marriage Act, 1954 (43 of  1954.)

 with  respect to marriages between Hindus solemnized under  that  Act,

 whether before or after the commencement of this Act.

      30.  [Repeals.] Repealed by the Repealing and Amending Act,  1960

 (58 of 1960), s. 2 and the First Schedule

THE HINDU MARRIAGES (VALIDATION OF PROCEEDINGS) ACT, 1960

ACT NO. 19 OF 1960

 [6th May, 1960.]

 An Act to validate certain proceedings under the Hindu

 Marriage Act, 1955.

      BE it enacted by Parliament in the Eleventh Year of the  Republic

 of India as follows:-

1.

 Short title and extent.

      1.(1)Short  title  and extent. This Act may be called  the  Hindu

 Marriages (Validation of Proceedings) Act, 1960.

      (2)It extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and

 Kashmir.

2.

 Validation of proceedings of certain courts under Act 25 of 1955.

      2. Validation  of  proceedings of certain courts under Act 25  of

 1955.  (25  of  1955.) (1)All proceedings taken and decrees and orders

 passed  before  the  commencement of this Act by  any  of  the  courts

 referred  to in sub-section (2), exercising or purporting to  exercise

 jurisdiction under  the  Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, (25 of 1955) shall,

 notwithstanding any judgment. decree or order of any court, be  deemed

 to  be  as  good  and  valid in law as  if  the  court  exercising  or

 purporting  to  exercise such jurisdiction had been a  district  court

 within the meaning of the said Act.

      (2) The   courts   referred  to  in  sub-section  (1)   are   the

 following, namely: -

           The court of an additional judge, additional district judge,

          joint      district   judge,   assistant   district    judge,

          assistant judge and any other court, by whatever name called,

          not  being  lower  in rank than the court  of  a  subordinate

          judge.

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------

 1  Extended  to  and brought into force in  Dadra   and  Nagar  Haveli

 (w.e.f. 1-7-65) by Reg. 6 of 1963, s.2 and Sch. I.

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------

THE PROHIBITION OF CHILD MARRIAGE ACT, 2006

NO. 6 OF 2007

[10th January, 2007.]

An  Act to provide for the prohibition of solemnisation of child marriages and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

BE  it enacted by Parliament in the Fifty-seventh Year of the Republic of India as follows:-

1.

Short title, extent and commencement.

1. Short title, extent and commencement.- (1) This Act may be called the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.

(2) It extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir; and it applies also to all citizens of India without and beyond India:

Provided that nothing contained in this Act shall apply to the Renoncants of the Union territory of Pondicherry.

(3) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint; and different dates may be appointed for different States and any reference in any provision to the commencement of this Act shall be construed in relation to any State as a reference to the coming into force of that provision in that State.

2.

Definitions.

2. Definitions.- In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-

(a) "child" means a person who, if a male, has not completed twenty-one years of age, and if a female, has not completed eighteen years of age;

(b) "child marriage" means a marriage to which either of the contracting parties is a child;

(c) "contracting party", in relation to a marriage, means either of the parties whose marriage is or is about to be thereby solemnised;

(d) "Child Marriage Prohibition Officer" includes the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer appointed under sub-section (1) of section 16;

(e) "district court" means, in any area for which a Family Court established under section 3 of the Family Courts Act, 1984 exists, such Family Court, and in any area for which there is no Family Court but a city civil court exists, that court and in any other area, the principal civil court of original jurisdiction and includes any other civil court which may be specified by the State Government, by notification in the Official Gazette, as having jurisdiction in respect of the matters dealt with in this Act;

(f) "minor" means a person who, under the provisions of the Majority Act, 1875 is to be deemed not to have attained his majority.

3.

Child marriages to be voidable at the option of contracting party being a child.

3. Child marriages to be voidable at the option of contracting party being a child. - (1) Every child marriage, whether solemnised before or after the commencement of this Act, shall be voidable at the option of the contracting party who was a child at the time of the marriage:

Provided that a petition for annulling a child marriage by a decree of nullity may be filed in the district court only by a contracting party to the marriage who was a child at the time of the marriage.

(2) If at the time of filing a petition, the petitioner is a minor, the petition may be filed through his or her guardian or next friend along with the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer.

(3) The petition under this section may be filed at any time but before the child filing the petition completes two years of attaining majority.

(4) While granting a decree of nullity under this section, the district court shall make an order directing both the parties to the marriage and their parents or their guardians to return to the other party, his or her parents or guardian, as the case may be, the money, valuables, ornaments and other gifts received on the occasion of the marriage by them from the other side, or an amount equal to the value of such valuables, ornaments, other gifts and money:

Provided that no order under this section shall be passed unless the concerned parties have been given notices to appear before the district court and show cause why such order should not be passed.

4.

Provision for maintenance and residence to female contracting party to child marriage.

4. Provision for maintenance and residence to female contracting party to child marriage. - (1) While granting a decree under section 3, the district court may also make an interim or final order directing the male contracting party to the child marriage, and in case the male contracting party to such marriage is a minor, his parent or guardian to pay maintenance to the female contracting party to the marriage until her remarriage.

(2) The quantum of maintenance payable shall be determined by the district court having regard to the needs of the child, the lifestyle enjoyed by such child during her marriage and the means of income of the paying party.

(3) The amount of maintenance may be directed to be paid monthly or in lump sum.

(4) In case the party making the petition under section 3 is the female contracting party, the district court may also make a suitable order as to her residence until her remarriage.

5.

Custody and maintenance of children of child marriages

5. Custody and maintenance of children of child marriages.- (1) Where there are children born of the child marriage, the district court shall make an appropriate order for the custody of such children.

(2) While making an order for the custody of a child under this section, the welfare and best interests of the child shall be the paramount consideration to be given by the district court.

(3) An order for custody of a child may also include appropriate directions for giving to the other party access to the child in such a manner as may best serve the interests of the child, and such other orders as the district court may, in the interest of the child, deem proper.

(4) The district court may also make an appropriate order for providing maintenance to the child by a party to the marriage or their parents or guardians.

6.

Legitimacy of children born of child marriages.

6. Legitimacy of children born of child marriages.- Notwithstanding that a child marriage has been annulled by a decree of nullity under section 3, every child begotten or conceived of such marriage before the decree is made, whether born before or after the commencement of this Act, shall be deemed to be a legitimate child for all purposes.

7.

Power of district court to modify orders issued under section 4 or section 5.

7. Power of district court to modify orders issued under section 4 or section 5.- The district court shall have the power to add to, modify or revoke any order made under section 4 or section 5 and if there is any change in the circumstances at any time during the pendency of the petition and even after the final disposal of the petition.

8.

Court to which petition should be made.

8. Court to which petition should be made.- For the purpose of grant of reliefs under sections 3, 4 and 5, the district court having jurisdiction shall include the district court having jurisdiction over the place where the defendant or the child resides, or where the marriage was solemnised or where the parties last resided together or the petitioner is residing on the date of presentation of the petition.

9.

Punishment for male adult marrying a child.

9. Punishment for male adult marrying a child.- Whoever, being a male adult above eighteen years of age, contracts a child marriage shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees or with both.

10.

Punishment for solemnising a child marriage.

10. Punishment for solemnising a child marriage.- Whoever performs, conducts, directs or abets any child marriage shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment which may extend to two years and shall be liable to fine which may extend to one lakh rupees unless he proves that he had reasons to believe that the marriage was not a child marriage.

11.

Punishment for promoting or permitting solemnisation of child marriages.

11. Punishment for promoting or permitting solemnisation of child marriages. - (1) Where a child contracts a child marriage, any person having charge of the child, whether as parent or guardian or any other person or in any other capacity, lawful or unlawful, including any member of an organisation or association of persons who does any act to promote the marriage or permits it to be solemnised, or negligently fails to prevent it from being solemnised, including attending or participating in a child marriage, shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment which may extend to two years and shall also be liable to fine which may extend up to one lakh rupees:

Provided that no woman shall be punishable with imprisonment.

(2) For the purposes of this section, it shall be presumed, unless and until the contrary is proved, that where a minor child has contracted a marriage, the person having charge of such minor child has negligently failed to prevent the marriage from being solemnised.

12.

Marriage of a minor child to be void in certain circumstances.

12. Marriage of a minor child to be void in certain circumstances.- Where a child, being a minor-

(a) is taken or enticed out of the keeping of the lawful guardian; or

(b) by force compelled, or by any deceitful means induced to go from any place; or

(c) is sold for the purpose of marriage; and made to go through a form of marriage or if the minor is married after which the minor is sold or trafficked or used for immoral purposes,

such marriage shall be null and void.

13.

Power of court to issue injunction prohibiting child marriages.

13. Power of court to issue injunction prohibiting child marriages. - (1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Act, if, on an application of the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer or on receipt of information through a complaint or otherwise from any person, a Judicial Magistrate of the first class or a Metropolitan Magistrate is satisfied that a child marriage in contravention of this Act has been arranged or is about to be solemnised, such Magistrate shall issue an injunction against any person including a member of an organisation or an association of persons prohibiting such marriage.

(2) A complaint under sub-section (1) may be made by any person having personal knowledge or reason to believe, and a non-governmental organisation having reasonable information, relating to the likelihood of taking place of solemnisation of a child marriage or child marriages.

(3) The Court of the Judicial Magistrate of the first class or the Metropolitan Magistrate may also take suo motu cognizance on the basis of any reliable report or information.

(4) For the purposes of preventing solemnisation of mass child marriages on certain days such as Akshaya Trutiya, the District Magistrate shall be deemed to be the Child Marriage Prohibition  Officer with all powers as are conferred on a Child Marriage Prohibition  Officer by or under this Act.

(5) The District Magistrate shall also have additional powers to stop or prevent solemnisation of child marriages and for this purpose, he may take all appropriate measures and use the minimum force required.

(6) No injunction under sub-section (1) shall be issued against any person or member of any organisation or association of persons unless the Court has previously given notice to such person, members of the organisation or association of persons, as the case may be, and has offered him or them an opportunity to show cause against the issue of the injunction:

Provided that in the case of any urgency, the Court shall have the power to issue an interim injunction without giving any notice under this section.

(7) An injunction issued under sub-section (1) may be confirmed or vacated after giving notice and hearing the party against whom the injunction was issued.

(8) The Court may either on its own motion or on the application of any person aggrieved, rescind or alter an injunction issued under sub-section (1).

(9) Where an application is received under sub-section (1), the Court shall afford the applicant an early opportunity of appearing before it either in person or by an advocate and if the Court, after hearing the applicant rejects the application wholly or in part, it shall record in writing its reasons for so doing.

(10) Whoever knowing that an injunction has been issued under sub-section (1) against him disobeys such injunction shall be punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees or with both:

Provided that no woman shall be punishable with imprisonment.

14.

Child marriages in contravention of injunction orders to be void.

14. Child marriages in contravention of injunction orders to be void.-  Any child marriage solemnised in contravention of an injunction order issued under section 13, whether interim or final, shall be void ab initio.

15.

Offences to be cognizable and non-bailable.

15. Offences to be cognizable and non-bailable.- Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, an offence punishable under this Act shall be cognizable and non-bailable.

16.

Child Marriage Prohibition Officers.

16. Child Marriage Prohibition Officers.-  (1) The State Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint for the whole State, or such part thereof as may be specified in that notification, an officer or officers to be known as the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer having jurisdiction over the area or areas specified in the notification.

(2) The State Government may also request a respectable member of the locality with a record of social service or an officer of the Gram Panchayat or Municipality or an officer of the Government or any public sector undertaking or an office bearer of any non-governmental organisation to assist the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer and such member, officer or office bearer, as the case may be, shall be bound to act accordingly.

(3) It shall be the duty of the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer-

(a) to prevent solemnisation of child marriages by taking such action as he may deem fit;

(b) to collect evidence for the effective prosecution of persons contravening the provisions of this Act;

(c) to advise either individual cases or counsel the residents of the locality generally not to indulge in promoting, helping, aiding or allowing the solemnisation of child marriages;

(d) to create awareness of the evil which results from child marriages;

(e) to sensitize the community on the issue of child marriages;

(f) to furnish such periodical returns and statistics as the State Government may direct; and

(g) to discharge such other functions and duties as may be assigned to him by the State Government.

(4) The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, subject to such conditions and limitations, invest the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer with such powers of a police officer as may be specified in the notification and the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer shall exercise such powers subject to such conditions and limitations, as may be specified in the notification.

(5) The Child Marriage Prohibition Officer shall have the power to move the Court for an order under sections 4, 5 and 13 and along with the child under section 3.

17.

Child Marriage Prohibition  Officers to be public servants.

17. Child Marriage Prohibition  Officers to be public servants.The Child Marriage Prohibition Officers shall be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code.

18.

Protection of action taken in good faith.

18. Protection of action taken in good faith.- No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer in respect of anything in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of this Act or any rule or order made thereunder.

19.

Power of State Government to make rules.

19. Power of State Government to make rules. - (1) The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrrying out the provisions of this Act.

(2) Every rule made under this Act shall, as soon as may be after it is made, be laid before the State Legislature.

20.

Amendment of Act No. 25 of 1955.

20. Amendment of Act No. 25 of 1955.- In the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, in section 18, for clause (a), the follwing clause shall be substituted, namely:-

"(a) in the case of contravention of the condition specified in clause (iii) of section 5, with rigorous imprisonment which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both".

21.

Repeal and savings.

21. Repeal and savings. - (1) The Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 is hereby repealed.

(2) Notwithstanding such repeal, all cases and other proceedings pending or continued under the said Act at the commencement of this Act shall be continued and disposed of in accordance with the provisions of the repealed Act, as if this Act had not been passed.

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K. N. CHATURVEDI,

Secy. to the Govt. of India.

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