SPECIAL MARRIAGE The Special Marriage Act, 1954 is an Act of the Parliament of India with provision for civil marriage (or "registered marriage") for people of India and all Indian nationals in foreign countries, irrelevant of the religion or faith followed by either party. [1] The Act originated from a piece of legislation proposed during the late 19th century. Marriages solemnized under Special Marriage Act are not governed by personal laws. [2] The Special Marriage Act, 1954 Parliament of India. An Act to provide a special form of marriage on certain cases, for the registration of such and certain other marriages and for divorce. [3] The Bill faced opposition from local governments and administrators, who believed that it would encourage marriages based on lust, which would inevitably lead to immorality. [4] The Special Marriage Act, 1954 replaced the old Act III, 1872. The new enactment had three major objectives: To provide a special form of marriage in certain cases, to provide for registration of certain marriages and, to provide for divorce. [5] Applicability edit Any person, irrespective of religion. [6] Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, Christians, Parsis, or Jews can also perform marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. [7] Inter-religion marriages are performed under this Act. This Act is applicable to the entire territory of India and extends to intending spouses who are both Indian nationals living abroad.