Section 7 HMA: Ceremonies for a Hindu marriage

Hindu Marriage Act, 1955

Section 7 HMA at a Glance

Section 7 HMA allows a Hindu marriage to be solemnized according to the customary rites and ceremonies of either party. Where those rites include the Saptapadi before the sacred fire, the marriage becomes complete and binding on the seventh step.

Section 7 HMA Bare Act Text

7. Ceremonies for a Hindu marriage.

(1) A Hindu marriage may be solemnized in accordance with the customary rites and ceremonies of either party thereto.

(2) Where such rites and ceremonies include the Saptapadi (that is, the taking of seven steps by the bridegroom and the bride jointly before the sacred fire), the marriage becomes complete and binding when the seventh step is taken.

Section 7 HMA in Simple Words

Section 7 HMA governs the ceremonies for solemnizing (formally performing) a Hindu marriage. Under Section 7(1) HMA, a Hindu marriage may be solemnized in accordance with the customary rites and ceremonies of either party to the marriage. When the bridegroom and the bride follow different customary marriage traditions, following the customary rites and ceremonies of either one of the two parties satisfies Section 7(1) HMA.

Section 7(2) HMA sets a specific completion rule where the chosen customary rites and ceremonies include the Saptapadi, which Section 7(2) HMA defines as the bridegroom and the bride jointly taking seven steps before the sacred fire. Where the rites and ceremonies include the Saptapadi, the marriage becomes complete and binding when the seventh step is taken. Section 7 HMA does not make the Saptapadi compulsory where the customary rites and ceremonies of the chosen party do not include the Saptapadi.

When Section 7 HMA Applies

  • Solemnization of the Hindu marriage in accordance with the customary rites and ceremonies of either party to the marriage (Section 7(1) HMA).
  • Where those customary rites and ceremonies include the Saptapadi (seven steps taken jointly by the bridegroom and the bride before the sacred fire), completion of the seventh step for the marriage to become complete and binding (Section 7(2) HMA).

Example of Section 7 HMA

Vikram and Shalini are two Hindus getting married in Ujjain who fulfil all conditions under Section 5 HMA. Vikram's family and Shalini's family have different customary marriage rites, and the two families choose to solemnize the wedding according to the customary rites and ceremonies of Shalini's side, which is allowed under Section 7(1) HMA. Those customary rites include the Saptapadi before the sacred fire. Under Section 7(2) HMA, Vikram and Shalini's marriage becomes complete and binding when Vikram and Shalini jointly take the seventh step before the sacred fire.

FAQs on Section 7 HMA

What is Section 7 HMA?▼

Section 7 HMA provides that a Hindu marriage may be solemnized according to the customary rites and ceremonies of either party to the marriage. Where those rites and ceremonies include the Saptapadi before the sacred fire, Section 7(2) HMA makes the marriage complete and binding when the seventh step is taken.

Must both families' marriage customs be followed under Section 7(1) HMA?▼

No. Section 7(1) HMA allows a Hindu marriage to be solemnized in accordance with the customary rites and ceremonies of either party to the marriage.

What is Saptapadi under Section 7(2) HMA?▼

Seven joint steps before the sacred fire. Section 7(2) HMA defines the Saptapadi as the taking of seven steps by the bridegroom and the bride jointly before the sacred fire, and states that the marriage becomes complete and binding when the seventh step is taken.

Is Saptapadi compulsory for every Hindu marriage under Section 7 HMA?▼

No. Under Section 7(1) HMA, a marriage may follow the customary rites and ceremonies of either party, and Section 7(2) HMA applies where those customary rites and ceremonies include the Saptapadi.

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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 ·