THE HINDU MARRIAGE ACT, 1955

ACT NO. 25 OF 1955 · Enacted [18th May, 1955.] · 37 sections

PRELIMINARY

Section 1.Short title and extent.

Section 2.Application of Act.

Section 3.Definitions.

Section 4.Overriding effect of Act.

HINDU MARRIAGES

Section 5.Conditions for a Hindu marriage.

Section 6.[Omitted.].

Section 7.Ceremonies for a Hindu marriage.

Section 8.Registration of Hindu marriages.

RESTITUTION OF CONJUGAL RIGHTS AND JUDICIAL SEPARATION

Section 9.Restitution of conjugal right.

Section 10.Judicial separation.

NULLITY OF MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE

Section 11.Void marriages.

Section 12.Voidable marriages.

Section 13.Divorce.

Section 13A.Alternate relief in divorce proceedings.

Section 13B.Divorce by mutual consent.

Section 14.No petition for divorce to be presented within one year of marriage.

Section 15.Divorced persons when may marry again.

Section 16.Legitimacy of children of void and voidable marriages.

Section 17.Punishment of bigamy.

Section 18.Punishment for contravention of certain other conditions for a Hindu marriage.

JURISDICTION AND PROCEDURE

Section 19.Court to which petition shall be presented.

Section 20.Contents and verification of petitions.

Section 21.Application of Act 5 of 1908.

Section 21A.Power to transfer petitions in certain cases.

Section 21B.Special provision relating to trial and disposal of petitions under the Act.

Section 21C.Documentary evidence.

Section 22.Proceedings to be in camera and may not be printed or published.

Section 23.Decree in proceedings.

Section 23A.Relief for respondent in divorce and other proceedings.

Section 24.Maintenance pendente lite and expenses of proceedings.

Section 25.Permanent alimony and maintenance.

Section 26.Custody of children.

Section 27.Disposal of property.

Section 28.Appeals from decrees and orders.

Section 28A.Enforcement of decrees and orders.

SAVINGS AND REPEALS

Section 29.Savings.

Section 30.[Repealed.].