Marriage Legal Grounds in India: Simple Guide

If you’re thinking about tying the knot, the first step is to know what the law expects. Indian marriage law isn’t mysterious – it boils down to a few clear rules about who can marry, how, and when a marriage can be declared void.

Key Requirements for a Valid Marriage

First, both parties must be of legal age. For men it’s 21 years, for women it’s 18 years. Marriages under these ages are automatically illegal.

Second, consent matters a lot. Both partners need to agree freely, without force or fraud. If someone is pressured, the marriage can be challenged later.

Third, the relationship must not fall under prohibited degrees. You can’t marry a close blood relative like a sibling, parent, or child, and certain marriages within the same caste or community may need specific rituals, but the law mainly blocks direct lineage.

Fourth, you need mental capacity. Both parties should understand the nature of marriage. If an individual is mentally ill and cannot give informed consent, the marriage can be annulled.

Finally, the marriage must be monogamous. Bigamy is a criminal offense. If either partner is already married, the new marriage is void.

Common Grounds for Annulment & Divorce

Even after a ceremony, some marriages get dissolved. Annulment is a legal declaration that the marriage never existed. Typical grounds include:

• Under‑age marriage (below the legal age).
• Non‑consensual marriage – one party was forced or deceived.
• Bigamy – the other party was already married.
• Prohibited relationship – marrying a close relative.
• Unsound mind – one partner couldn’t understand the marriage.

Divorce, on the other hand, ends a marriage that was valid. The most common reasons are mutual consent, desertion for two years, cruelty, or adultery. The law also allows a one‑year separation period before filing a mutual‑consent divorce, though courts can waive it in special cases.

Practical tip: always get a marriage registration certificate. It’s the official proof of your marriage and makes any future legal process smoother.

Knowing these basics helps you avoid pitfalls and ensures your marriage starts on a solid legal footing. If you’re unsure about any requirement, a quick chat with a family lawyer can save you big headaches later.