Article by: K.P.Satish Kumar M.L. Advocate, Madras High Court
Marriage can be performed in Tamilnadu without following the Hindu rituals and customs if the marriage is performed under Section 7 A of Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. Thali or performing agni kundam are not necessary for Hindus who undergoes Marriage under Section 7 A of Hindu Marriage Act. To solemnize a self-respect marriage in Tamil Nadu, also known as “suyamariyathai” marriage, You will need to fulfill the following requirements:
Eligibility of Marriage: The couple should meet the minimum age requirement for marriage and not be within the degrees of prohibited relationship. The Boy should be above 21 years and the girl should be above 18 years.
Declaration: The parties involved should declare each other as spouses in a language understood by them, in the presence of relatives, friends, or other persons in the Marriage function.
Symbolism: The ceremony may include exchanging garlands, rings, or tying a thali or mangal sutra, symbolizing their commitment and even the Marriage may not happen on using the above things. Only declaration of couples that they are untied under a matrimonial bon-up is necessary.
Registration: The marriage should be registered under the Tamil Nadu Registration of Marriages Act, 2009. For registration, the parties and three witnesses need to sign a declaration form before the Marriage Officer, after which they’ll receive a marriage certificate. Parents are not necessary for the marriage under section 7 A of Hindu Marriage Act.
No Notice: The parties intending to get married has no necessary to give any notice, in writing, to a Marriage Officer of the district where at least one party has resided.
It’s essential to note that self-respect marriages don’t require :
Priest or traditional rituals: The presence of a priest or traditional rituals like holy fire and saptapadi (seven steps) is not necessary.
Public declaration or solemnization: The marriage doesn’t need to be publicly declared or solemnized in a particular manner.
Self –Respect Movement , Socially reputed persons and Advocates can solemnize self-respect marriages in their personal capacity as friends or relatives of the couple, but not in their professional capacity as the Personal capacity.
