Section 1 HMA: Short title and extent

Hindu Marriage Act, 1955

Section 1 HMA at a Glance

Section 1 HMA names the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and sets its geographic and personal reach. The Act extends to the whole of India and also applies to Hindus domiciled in India who are outside Indian territory.

Section 1 HMA Bare Act Text

1. Short title and extent.

(1) This Act may be called the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

(2) It extends to the whole of India ***, and applies also to Hindus domiciled in the territories to which this Act extends who are outside the said territories.

Amendments to this section
  • The words "except the State of Jammu and Kashmir" omitted by Act 34 of 2019, s. 95 and Sch. V (w.e.f. 31-10-2019).

Section 1 HMA in Simple Words

Section 1 HMA gives the official title of the law and defines where the Act operates. Under Section 1(1) HMA, the law is called the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

Under Section 1(2) HMA, the Act extends to the whole of India. Section 1(2) HMA also applies the Act to Hindus who are domiciled in the territories to which the Act extends, meaning India, even when those Hindus are outside Indian territory. Under Section 2(3) HMA, the word "Hindu" in the Act includes every person to whom the Act applies under Section 2 HMA, such as Buddhists, Jainas, and Sikhs by religion. Act 34 of 2019 omitted the words "except the State of Jammu and Kashmir" with effect from 31 October 2019.

When Section 1 HMA Applies

  • The official title of the law is the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (Section 1(1) HMA).
  • Within India, the Act extends to the whole of India (Section 1(2) HMA).
  • Outside India, the Act applies to Hindus who are domiciled in the territories to which the Act extends (Section 1(2) HMA).

FAQs on Section 1 HMA

What is Section 1 HMA?▼

Section 1 HMA gives the short title and extent of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. Section 1 HMA states that the Act extends to the whole of India and also applies to Hindus domiciled in India who are outside Indian territory.

Does the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 extend to Jammu and Kashmir?▼

Yes. Under Section 1(2) HMA, the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 extends to the whole of India. Act 34 of 2019 omitted the words "except the State of Jammu and Kashmir" with effect from 31 October 2019.

Does the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 apply to Hindus living outside India?▼

Yes, if the person is domiciled in India. Under Section 1(2) HMA, the Act applies to Hindus domiciled in the territories to which the Act extends even when those Hindus are outside Indian territory.

Who counts as a Hindu under Section 1(2) HMA?▼

Every person to whom the Act applies under Section 2 HMA. Under Section 2(3) HMA, the word "Hindu" in any part of the Act includes Buddhists, Jainas, Sikhs, and other persons covered by Section 2 HMA.

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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified advocate for legal advice.

Sources: Bare Act Text, Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 ·