Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 has reformed Hindu law of Marriage. It is a landmark in the history of social legislation. It has not simply codified the Hindu law of marriage but has introduced certain important changes in many respects. The Hindu marriage contemplated by the Act hardly remains sacramental. The Act has brought in some changes of far reaching consequences which have undermined the sacramental nature of marriage and rendered it contractual in nature to a great extent.
The Hindu Marriage Act is an Act of the Parliament of India in 1955 as part of the Hindu Code Bills. Three other important acts were also enacted during this time: the Hindu Succession Act (1956), the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act (1956),the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act (1956). Marriage is a sacred institution; it is the very foundation of a stable family and civilised society and it accords status and security to the parties and their offspring. All legal systems provide for certain conditions for a valid marriage.
Marriage is one of the universal social institution. It is established by the human society to control and regulate the life of man. It is a corner stone of a society. Marriage is one of the universal social institution. It is established by the human society to control and regulate the life of man. It is a corner stone of a society…. It is in the family that children learn to become citizens; it is in the family that children learn about relationships; it is in the family that children learn about what is expected of them in society, how to act and how to be.
Central to the nuclear family is the traditional idea of marriage, consisting of one man and one woman in a monogamous and permanent relationship. We need to promote and protect marriage to secure a healthier society. Marriage has legitimate recognition to get united. Society accepts union of two souls because primary object of marriage is to beget and bear offspring, and to them until they are able to take care of themselves.
Hindu Marriage joins two individuals for life, so that they can pursue dharma (duty), artha (possessions), kama (physical desires), and moksa (ultimate spiritual release) together. It’s a union of two individuals from the opposite sex as husband / wife and is recognized by law. In Hinduism, marriage is followed by traditional rituals for consummation. In fact, marriage is not considered complete or valid until consummation. It also joins two families together. Favorable colours are normally red and gold for this occasion.
Many people believe that arranged marriage is the traditional form of marriage in India; however love marriage is a modern form, usually in urban areas. Love marriage differs from an “arranged marriage” in that the couple, rather than the parents, choose their own partner. Interestingly, there are various instances from ancient scriptures of Hinduism, of romantic love marriages.
As part of the Hindu Code Bill, the Hindu Marriage Act was enacted in 1955 by the Parliament of India. The main purpose of the enactment was to amend and codify the law relating to marriage among Hindus. Beside, amendment and codification of Shastrik Law, it has introduced separation and Divorce which was earlier non-existent in Shastric Law. This enactment brought uniformity of law for all sections of Hindus. Hindu Marriage Act is not applicable in the state of Goa.
