Section 21 of The Foreign Marriage Act, 1969
Punishment for false declaration.
If any citizen of India for the purpose of procuring a marriage, intentionally--
- (a)where a declaration is required by this Act, makes a false declaration; or
- (b)where a notice or certificate is required by this Act, signs a false notice or certificate, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine.
Summary
- An Indian citizen faces severe punishment if they intentionally make a false declaration to procure a marriage.
- They also face this punishment if they intentionally sign a false notice or a false certificate when required by the law.
- The penalty for these intentional false acts is imprisonment for a term that can extend up to three years.
- In addition to imprisonment, the offender will also be liable to pay a fine.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Can someone be punished if they made a mistake on their forms by accident?
No, the law specifies that the false declaration or signature must be done intentionally to procure a marriage.
2. Is the judge required to impose both jail time and a fine?
The law states the person shall be punishable with imprisonment and shall also be liable to fine, indicating both apply.
3. What documents does this rule cover?
It covers required declarations, notices, and certificates.
Test yourself
1.Under Section 21 of The Foreign Marriage Act, 1969, what is the mandatory state of mind required for a citizen to be punished for signing a false marriage notice?
2.Under Section 21 of The Foreign Marriage Act, 1969, what combination of penalties faces an Indian citizen who deliberately makes a false declaration to get married?
3.Under Section 21 of The Foreign Marriage Act, 1969, which of the following documents is NOT explicitly listed as a trigger for this punishment if falsified?
4.Under Section 21 of The Foreign Marriage Act, 1969, what is the core purpose that must drive the citizen's false declaration for this specific punishment to apply?