The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (Act No. 25 of 1955) is an important Indian personal law statute that governs various aspects of Hindu marriage. It was enacted to amend and codify the law relating to marriage among Hindus. The Act establishes legal conditions for marriage and provides a framework for marriage registration, judicial separation, divorce, maintenance, child custody and related matrimonial disputes.

The Act contains provisions addressing void and voidable marriages, divorce by mutual consent, restitution of conjugal rights, permanent alimony, and the legal rights of children born from void or voidable marriages. It also sets out the jurisdiction of courts, procedures for matrimonial petitions, appeals and enforcement of court orders.

For individuals facing matrimonial disputes, understanding the relevant provisions of this legislation can help them identify the legal remedies available and the appropriate court procedures. Lawyers and law students can also use the Act as a reference when studying Hindu matrimonial law.

Sections:

• Section 1: Short Title and Extent
• Section 2: Application of the Hindu Marriage Act
• Section 3: Definitions
• Section 4: Overriding Effect of the Act
• Section 5: Conditions for a Hindu Marriage
• Section 6: Omitted
• Section 7: Ceremonies for a Hindu Marriage
• Section 8: Registration of Hindu Marriages
• Section 9: Restitution of Conjugal Rights
• Section 10: Judicial Separation
• 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: Restriction on Divorce Petitions Within One Year of Marriage
• Section 15: When Divorced Persons 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 Conditions for a Hindu Marriage
• Section 19: Court to Which Petition Shall Be Presented
• Section 20: Contents and Verification of Petitions
• Section 21: Application of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
• Section 21A: Power to Transfer Petitions in Certain Cases
• Section 21B: Special Provisions for Trial and Disposal of Petitions
• Section 21C: Documentary Evidence
• Section 22: Proceedings to Be in Camera and Restrictions on Publication
• 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
• Section 29: Savings
• Section 30: Repealed