(1)
A Hindu marriage may be solemnized in accordance with the
customary rites and ceremonies of either party thereto. (2)
Where such rites and ceremonies include the Saptapadi (that is,
the taking of seven steps by the bridegroom and the bride jointly before the
sacred fire), the marriage becomes complete and binding when the seventh step
is taken. [STATE AMENDMENTS [Puducherry [1] [After
Section 7 The following section shall
be inserted, namely:-- "7-A Special provision
regarding suyamariyathai and seerthiruththa marriages.-- (1) This
section shall apply to any marriage between any two Hindus, whether called
suyamariyathai marriage or seerthiruththa marriage or by any other name,
solemnised in the presence of relatives, friends or other persons? (a) by each
party to the marriage declaring in any language (which is understood by the
parties and by at least two persons in whose presence the marriage is solemnised),
that each takes the other to be his wife or, as the case may be, her husband;
or (b) by each
party to the marriage garlanding the other or putting a ring upon any finger of
the other; or (c) by the
tying of the thali, (2) (a)
Notwithstanding anything contained in section 7, but subject to the other
provisions of this Act, all marriages to which this section applies solemnised
after the commencement of the Hindu Marriage (Pondicherry Amendment) Act, 1971
shall be good and valid in law. (b) Notwithstanding
anything contained in section 7 or in any text, rule or interpretation of Hindu
law or any custom or usage as part of that law in force immediately before the
commencement of the Hindu Marriage (Pondicherry Amendment) Act, 1971, or in any
other law in force immediately before such commencement or in any judgment,
decree or order of any court, but subject to sub-section (3), all marriages to
which this section applies solemnised at any time before such commencement
shall be deemed to have been, with effect on and from the date of the
solemnisation of each such marriage respectively, good and valid in law. (3) Nothing
contained in this section shall be deemed to? (a) render
valid any marriage referred to in clause (b) of sub-section (2), if before the
commencement of the Hindu Marriage (Pondicherry Amendment) Act, 1971,-- (i) such
marriage has been dissolved under any custom or law; or (ii) the woman
who was a party to such marriage has, whether during or after the life of the
other party thereto, lawfully married another; or (b) render
invalid a marriage between any two Hindus solemnised at any time before such
commencement, if such, marriage was valid at that time; or (c) render
valid a marriage between any two Hindus solemnised at any time before such
commencement, if such marriage was invalid at that time on any ground other
than that it was not solemnised in accordance with the customary rites and
ceremonies of either party thereto: Provided that nothing
contained in this sub-section shall render any person liable to any punishment
whatsoever by reason of anything done or omitted to be done by him before such
commencement. (4) Any child
of the parties to a marriage referred to in clause (b) of sub-section (2) born
of such marriage shall be deemed to be their legitimate child: Provided that in a case
falling under sub-clause (i) or sub-clause (ii) of clause (a) of sub-section
(3), such child was begotten before the date of the dissolution of the marriage
or as the case may be, before the date of the second of the marriages referred
to in the said sub-clause (ii).".]HINDU
MARRIAGE ACT, 1955 (PUDUCHERRY AMENDMENT)