Most of us think that all that matters to be legally married under the Hindu Marriage Act is the age of the bride and the groom- 18 for the bride and 21 for the groom. But, many may not be aware of the fact that there are other conditions to be satisfied as well!
Section 5 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 talks of all those conditions required for a marriage to become a valid marriage.
A marriage may be solemnized between any two Hindus if the following conditions are satisfied:
- Neither party to the marriage has a spouse living at the time of the marriage
- At the time of the marriage, neither party-
Is incapable of giving a valid consent owing to unsoundness of mind ; or
Is suffering from mental disorder of such a kind and to such an extent so as not to be fit for marriage or for procreation of children ; or
Has been subject to recurrent attacks of insanity.
- The bridegroom has completed the age of 21 years and the bride has completed the age of 18years at the time of marriage
- The parties to the marriage are not within the degrees of prohibited relationship unless the custom permits
- The parties to the marriage are not sapindas of one another unless the custom permits.
Note: Two persons are said to be sapindas of one another if they are related by a common lineal ascendant.