What is the Special Marriage Act, 1954?
The Special Marriage Act (SMA) 1954 is a secular civil marriage law. It applies to people of any religion, caste, or nationality — including inter-faith, inter-caste, NRI, and foreign-national couples. The marriage solemnised under SMA carries no religious requirement, and the Form-V certificate issued is recognised across India and worldwide.
Who Should Choose SMA at Tis Hazari?
- Inter-faith couples (Hindu–Muslim, Hindu–Christian, etc.) who want to keep their own religion
- Inter-caste couples who don't want a religious ceremony
- NRI couples (one or both partners foreign citizens)
- Atheist / agnostic couples
- Couples who want a fully civil marriage with no priest or religious ritual
- Couples planning to settle abroad and need apostille-ready certificates
SMA Process at Tis Hazari Court — 35-Day Timeline
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Free document check on WhatsApp; office visit; SMA notice form filled |
| Day 2 | Notice of Intended Marriage filed at SDM Tis Hazari; posted on notice board |
| Day 3–32 | 30-day public notice period (mandatory by law). Objections, if any, received and resolved |
| Day 33 | Couple + 3 witnesses appear; marriage solemnised in presence of Marriage Officer |
| Day 33–35 | Form-V Marriage Certificate issued and handed over |
Documents Required for SMA at Tis Hazari
- Aadhaar Cards of both partners (original + 2 copies)
- DOB proof (passport / 10th certificate / birth certificate)
- Address proof showing 30-day residence in Delhi (for at least one partner)
- 4 passport-size photos each (white background)
- Affidavit of marital status (drafted by us)
- 3 witnesses (instead of 2 for HMA) with their Aadhaar
- If foreign national: passport, valid Indian visa, "No Objection" from embassy if required
- If divorced: certified divorce decree
- If widowed: spouse's death certificate
Why SMA Takes 30 Days — The Notice Period Explained
Under Section 5 & 6 of the SMA 1954, the Marriage Officer publishes a Notice of Intended Marriage on the office notice board for 30 days. During this time, any person who has reason to believe the marriage should not be solemnised (e.g., one partner is already married, underage, of unsound mind) can file an objection under Section 7. If no valid objection is received, the marriage is solemnised on Day 31 onwards.
Can the 30-Day Notice Be Reduced or Waived?
No — the 30-day notice is mandatory by law and cannot be waived, accelerated, or backdated. Any service promising "same-day SMA" is misleading. If you need same-day marriage and both partners are Hindu/Sikh/Jain/Buddhist, use the HMA Section 8 route instead.
What's Included in SMA Bundle @ ₹18,000
- SMA notice form drafting + filing at SDM Tis Hazari
- Notice posting on official notice board
- Objection handling (if any received during 30-day window)
- Affidavit drafting + notary
- Marriage solemnisation in presence of Marriage Officer + 3 witnesses
- Form-V Marriage Certificate (govt fees included)
- 1 set of laminated certificate copies
- Senior advocate accompanying you on every visit
SMA at Tis Hazari — FAQs
My family will object — what happens?
Most "objections" filed at the SDM by upset families are based on emotion, not law. The Marriage Officer only considers valid legal grounds — already married, minor age, prohibited relationship, or unsound mind. Family disapproval is not a legal ground. Our advocate handles objection responses and the marriage proceeds.
Will my address be visible on the notice board?
Yes — the notice contains both partners' names, ages, occupations, and current addresses. This is required by law. If privacy is critical and you both qualify under HMA, that route is more discreet.
Can a foreign citizen marry an Indian under SMA at Tis Hazari?
Yes. Most common case. The foreign national needs a valid Indian visa + passport + 30-day residence proof in Delhi (hotel/rental). Some countries require a "Certificate of No Impediment" from their embassy in India — we guide you through this.