Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to hire a lawyer or a notary to apply for marriage under the Special Marriage Act (SMA), or can a couple complete the process online themselves?

With the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) coming into effect in Uttarakhand, does it impact residents living outside Uttarakhand who wish to marry under the Special Marriage Act?

Can an Indian Hindu and a Nepali Muslim marry under the Special Marriage Act in India?

Which places are considered safe to register a marriage under the Special Marriage Act (SMA) in India?

Do children of interfaith couples (e.g., Hindu and Muslim) have to specify their religion at birth under Indian law? We currently live in Canada and didn’t have to specify it, but we are considering moving back to India. Will our daughters have to pick a religion?

In the context of a Hindu-Muslim interfaith marriage, how is the identity of children—specifically in terms of religion and surname—determined under Indian law? What legal options do the parents have?