Bigamy amongst the Indian Christians
By
A. N. Saha
The Indian Christian Marriage Act 1872 consolidates and amends the law relating to the solemnization of marriages amongst the Indian Christians. As to bigamous marriage, it is nowhere stated in the said Act that marriage during the life-time of any spouse of either of the parties to the marriage is void and nullity. Section 60(2) which occurs in Part VI provides that every marriage between Indian Christians applying for a certificate, shall, without the preliminary notice required under Part III of the Indian Christian Marriage Act be certified under Part VI of the said Act if, inter alia neither of the persons intending to be married has a wife or husband still living. In effect and in substance S. 60(2) permits certification of marriage, when (a) the parties to the marriage are Indian Christians, (b) certification of marriage is sought under Part VI of the Indian Christian Marriage Act 1872, (c) neither of the parties of the marriage has already a spouse living.
But it app ....