Court marriage in Karnal is something completely different from the customary weddings. Court marriage is a ceremony in which a woman applies for a divorce or separation with her husband. The judge, represented by someone called an examiner presides over the case. Women applying for divorce or separation usually apply to the office of the Judge alone and are the only ones allowed to enter the courtroom. The judge presides over the case and looks at both the bride and the groom and then he makes his decision. Court marriage in Karnal can be done only between a Hindu girl and an Indian boy regardless of their religion, caste or creed. It can also be religious solemnified between a Hindu and a non-Hindu. The process of a Court marriage does away with all the ceremonies and rituals of the conventional weddings. Instead, the bride and the groom have to come to an agreement before the judge and sign a document known as a "Karnal Contract". A marriage may be solemnized in the presence of not less than three witnesses, who must be members of the same marriage, parents or legitimate guardians. Three witnesses certify the marriage and it is considered legally valid. The marriage may also be solemnized outside the court and then the papers must be brought to the office of the Judge. Once the marriage is solemnized, the priest gives a death certificate to the couple and the priest performs a funeral ceremony for the couple. A marriage may also be solemnized outside the court and the bride and the groom may go to the local temple and get married. Then they return back to the court and present the death certificate. The marriage is considered to be legally valid in the absence of any witnesses. If neither of the parties can produce the marriage license, the document cannot be deemed as legal. The document is then countersigned by the priest and is presented to the Judge. Once the marriage is solemnized, the priest again seals the marriage certificate.
Court Marriage is a common procedure, which has to be followed by everyone. If a marriage is not registered it is not considered valid during legal procedures such as, applying for a joint home loan. You could also be fined for not registering your marriage. It is a rule that all the marriages have to be registered whether you are having a wedding ceremony or not.A marriage certificate is an important proof, in case there are some problems between you and your spouse in the future and a legal action needs to be taken.
Advantages of Court Marriage Certificate:-
• Certificate of Marriage is a document, which provides valuable evidence of marriage;
• Certificate of Marriage is a document providing social security, self-confidence particularly among married Women.
• Court Marriage Certificate is useful in getting the visa for the wife/husband.
• It will be helpful in claiming the Bank deposits or Life Insurance benefits when the depositee or the Insurer dies without a nomination or otherwise.
Documents required for the Performance & Registration of Court Marriage
1. Passport Size Photographs – four each of Marrying Persons.
2. Residential Proof (Voter Card / Passport / Ration Car / Driving License / Bank Passbook / Lease Deed / Rent Deed) of Marrying Persons.
3. Date of Birth Proof (Municipal Corporation Certificate, X th or XII th Examination Certificate, Passport, PAN Card) of Marrying Persons.
4. If any party is divorcee Certified copy of Decree of Divorce granted by the Court.
5. If any party is widow / widower Death Certificate of the dead spouse.
6. If any party is a Foreign Citizen or holding a foreign Passport or is having foreign residential address – Certificate of Present Marital Status of the party / No Impediment Certificate / NOC from concerned Embassy and Valid VISA.
7. Two Witnesses (Both should be major)