Court marriage in Pakistan is a legal alternative to traditional religious ceremonies, allowing couples of different faiths or sects to marry or individuals who wish to keep their marriage proceedings confidential. It is a straightforward and legally recognized process governed by the Special Marriage Act, 1872. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to court marriage in Pakistan.
Eligibility for Court Marriage
Before embarking on the court marriage process in Pakistan, it’s important to understand the eligibility criteria:
- Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
- Both parties must be of sound mind and not suffering from any mental disorders.
- Neither party should already be married. If previously married, they must provide evidence of divorce or widowhood.
- Consent of both parties is essential for court marriage.
- The intended marriage should not be in violation of the prohibited degrees of relationship.
Documentation Required
To initiate the court marriage process, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
- Copies of National Identity Cards (CNIC) or Computerized National Identity Cards (CNIC) for both parties for Status
- Copies of CNICs of two witnesses.
- Proof of address for both parties.
- Affidavit of Freedom to Marry, declaring that both parties are not currently married.
- Four passport-sized photographs of each party.
- Court Marriage Procedure
The court marriage procedure involves several steps:
a. Application: Visit the local district court with all the required documents and submit an application for court marriage. The application form can typically be obtained from the court or downloaded from the court’s official website.
b. Notice of Intention: After submitting the application, a notice of intention to marry is displayed at the court’s premises for a specified period, usually 30 days. This allows any objections to be raised against the marriage.
c. Objections and Inquiry: If no objections are raised during the notice period, the court will proceed with the marriage. In case of objections, the court may conduct an inquiry to ascertain the legitimacy of the objections.
d. Court Marriage Ceremony: Once the notice period is complete, and any objections have been resolved, the court will perform the marriage ceremony. The couple, witnesses, and the marriage registrar will be present. The marriage registrar will read out the marriage declaration, and both parties will sign the marriage register along with the witnesses.
e. Issuance of Marriage Certificate: After the ceremony, the court will issue a marriage certificate, which legally recognizes the marriage. This certificate is evidence of the marriage and can be used for various legal and administrative purposes.
Post-Marriage Responsibilities
After court marriage in Pakistan, couples may need to update their marital status with various government authorities, including the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). This is essential for legal recognition and financial matters.
Conclusion
Court marriage in Pakistan is a simple and legally recognized process that offers couples an alternative to traditional religious ceremonies. It provides an option for interfaith marriages and allows individuals to maintain privacy and confidentiality. However, it’s crucial to follow the legal procedures, provide the required documentation, and abide by the law throughout the process to ensure a valid and legally binding marriage. Consulting with a legal expert or a family lawyer can help navigate any potential complexities in the court marriage process.
Click Here: Divorce Procedure in Pakistan
