Who can issue a ‘Certificate’?

Only and only government or a semi government legal body authorized by law can issue a valid and legal marriage certificate. Certificate issued by a Pundit, Mandir, trust or a religious instruction are “not” valid in the eyes of law.

For Hindu marriages, Arya Samaj as an institution has been given special powers to issue a marriage certificate. This certificate (only when issued by an Arya Samaj registered with the central regulatory bodies of Arya Samaj Delhi) is valid in the court of law.

Even though, the certificate by Arya Samaj is valid in the eyes of law, it is necessary that married couple register their marriage on Government and obtain a Government certificate for the marriage. Note that there is a difference between a ‘Marriage certificate’ and ‘Registration of Marriage’.

A certificate issued by Arya Samaj is just a certificate. It is legal but this information is not available with the Government. We strongly advise everyone to immediately register their marriage with Government authorities. This is easily done by Register of marriage on the basis of certificate issued by Arya Samaj.