What is the difference for Special Marriage Act and Hindu Marriage Act❓ The Special Marriage Act and the Hindu Marriage Act are two laws that govern the registration and solemnization of marriages in India. The main differences between them are: The Hindu Marriage Act is applicable only to Hindus, while the Special Marriage Act is applicable to all citizens of India irrespective of their religion, caste, race, or nationality. The Hindu Marriage Act does not require registration of marriage, while the Special Marriage Act makes it mandatory to register the marriage within a time frame. The Hindu Marriage Act requires the marriage to be solemnized according to the traditional rituals and customs, while the Special Marriage Act does not have such a requirement. The Hindu Marriage Act does not allow inter-religious marriages, while the Special Marriage Act permits marriages between persons of different religions or nationalities. No one is bound to change their religion after marriage under the Special Marriage Act.