Section 69 of The Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872
Solemnizing marriage out of proper time, or without witnesses.
Whoever knowingly and wilfully solemnizes a marriage between persons, one or both of whom is or are a Christian or Christians, at any time other than between the hours of six in the morning and seven in the evening, or in the absence of at least two credible witnesses other than the person solemnizing the marriage, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine. Saving of marriages solemnized under special licence.-- This section does not apply to marriages solemnized under special licences granted by the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese or by his Commissary, nor to marriages performed between the hours of seven in the evening and six in the morning by a Clergyman of the Church of Rome, when he has received the general or special license in that behalf mentioned in section 10. 1[Nor does this section apply to marriages solemnized by a Clergyman of the Church of Scotland according to the rules, rites, ceremonies and customs of the Church of Scotland.]
Summary
- It is an offence to perform a Christian marriage outside the legally permitted hours.
- The standard permitted hours for solemnizing a marriage are between six in the morning and seven in the evening.
- It is also an offence to perform a marriage without at least two credible witnesses present.
- The two required witnesses must be people other than the person performing the marriage ceremony.
- The punishment for violating these time or witness rules is imprisonment for up to three years and a fine.
- These restrictions do not apply to marriages under special licenses from an Anglican Bishop, licensed Roman Catholic marriages at night, or marriages under Church of Scotland customs.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. What are the standard hours during which a Christian marriage can be performed?
A Christian marriage must be performed between six o'clock in the morning and seven o'clock in the evening.
2. How many witnesses must be present at a Christian marriage ceremony?
There must be at least two credible witnesses present, and they must be people other than the minister performing the ceremony.
3. Are there any religious exceptions to the standard marriage hours?
Yes, a Clergyman of the Church of Rome can perform marriages between seven in the evening and six in the morning with a general or special Bishop's license, and Clergymen of the Church of Scotland can follow their own Church customs.
4. Can a Clergyman of the Church of England perform a wedding at midnight?
Yes, but only if they have received a special license under the hand and seal of the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese or his Commissary.
Test yourself
1.Under Section 69 of The Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872, what is the maximum punishment for performing a Christian marriage outside the permitted hours without a special license?
2.Under Section 69 of The Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872, how many credible witnesses must be present at the ceremony, excluding the person performing it?
3.Under Section 69 of The Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872, which cross-references Section 10, which of the following is exempt from the penalty for solemnizing a marriage outside the standard hours of six in the morning to seven in the evening?
4.Under Section 69 of The Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872, whose special license can exempt a Clergyman of the Church of England from the restricted marrying hours?