Importance of Marriage Certificate

A marriage certificate is a legal document that validates a marriage and protects the rights of both spouses. It ensures the marriage registration process and is extremely important from a social and legal perspective. In 2006, the Supreme Court of India declared marriage registration mandatory to safeguard women’s rights and empower them socially. Following this, marriage certificates were made mandatory, recognizing them as significant proof of validity and rights.

Why should there be a Marriage Certificate?

1. Legal Evidence: A marriage certificate serves as legal proof of the marriage. It grants legal rights to women and strengthens their position in marital disputes.
2. Visa and Immigration: A marriage certificate is required to prove the relationship between spouses in visa and immigration processes. Without a marriage certificate, there could be issues when traveling or residing together abroad.
3. Bank and Insurance Benefits: If a person dies, the life insurance, bank deposits, or pension benefits may only be given to the spouse and children. Without a marriage certificate, claiming these benefits becomes difficult.
4. Financial Rights: A marriage certificate is essential for claiming pension plans, property disputes, and other financial benefits. It confirms the legal rights between the couple and helps avoid future disputes.
5. Marriage Legitimacy: In cases of divorce, property disputes, or inheritance issues, a marriage certificate acts as crucial evidence. It proves that both individuals are legally bound in marriage.
6. Legitimacy of Children: If the husband and wife have different surnames, the marriage certificate helps establish the legitimacy of the children. It ensures their rights.
7. Protection for Women: The marriage certificate acts as a shield for women, protecting them from fraud, deceit, and illegal activities related to marriage. Without it, women may often be deprived of their rights.

What Problems Can Arise If There Is No Marriage Certificate?

1. Difficulties in International Travel: If a couple plans to travel or settle abroad, not being able to present a marriage certificate may create problems in the visa and immigration process.
2. Difficulty in Claiming Financial Benefits: A married individual can designate their wife and children under bank deposits, life insurance, or pension schemes. Without a marriage certificate, it becomes very difficult to claim these benefits.
3. Disputes over Property and Rights: After the death of the husband, the rights and claims of the wife over his property can typically be challenged based on the legitimacy of the marriage. Without a marriage certificate, the woman may face challenges in protecting her rights.
4. Fraud and Illegal Marriages: In many cases, there have been incidents of marriages without any religious or legal process or fraudulent marriages. In such cases, without a marriage certificate, women may face difficulties in proving their status and may be deprived of their legal rights.

Conclusion: A marriage certificate is not just a document, but it is a shield for the legal rights of the spouses. It not only provides legal security in personal and family life but also plays an important role in protecting women’s rights. Therefore, every newlywed couple needs to get a marriage certificate.

✍ Dispute-Eater