The Delhi High Court, in the landmark case of Priya v. Marriage Officer, declared that any couple—regardless of their home state—can legally register their marriage in Delhi. A Marriage Officer cannot refuse registration simply because the couple is not a permanent resident of Delhi.
🔹 Background of the Case: Priya v. Marriage Officer
Priya and her fiancé were from different states, but they were working and living in Delhi on rented accommodation. When they applied for marriage registration in Delhi, the Marriage Officer refused and stated:
“You are not permanent residents of Delhi… go to your home state for registration.”
Feeling harassed and discriminated against, Priya approached the Delhi High Court.
🔹 What the High Court Clarified
The Court emphasized that the word “resides” does not mean permanent residence. It includes:
- Temporary rental accommodation
- PG / Paying Guest
- Hostel stay
- Shared accommodation
- Company-provided housing
Therefore, even temporary stay in Delhi gives full jurisdiction to the Marriage Officer. Refusing on the basis of permanent address is unlawful.
🔹 Key Legal Findings
- Marriage Officer cannot discriminate based on which state the couple belongs to.
- Permanent address is NOT mandatory for marriage registration.
- Temporary residence is sufficient for jurisdiction.
- Any couple living in Delhi—even temporarily—is eligible for registration.
- The officer’s role is to verify documents, not to question domicile.
🔹 If Place of Marriage Is Delhi, Registration Cannot Be Refused
The Court also held:
If the place of marriage (venue) is Delhi, the Marriage Officer is legally bound to register the marriage—even if neither spouse has a Delhi address.
Thus, the place of marriage itself provides territorial jurisdiction.
🔹 Real-Life Situations Where This Judgment Helps Couples
- Inter-caste and interfaith couples living temporarily in Delhi
- Couples facing threat or opposition in their hometown
- Boy living in Delhi while girl resides in another state
- Girls living in PG or hostels
- Couples working in Delhi for short-term projects
🔹 Why This Judgment Is a Game-Changer
Millions migrate to Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Mumbai, and Bengaluru for work or education. If permanent address becomes mandatory, then:
- Thousands of couples will suffer harassment
- Freedom of movement will be violated
- Article 21 (Right to Life & Personal Liberty) will be compromised
The High Court strongly advised Marriage Officers to stop such arbitrary practices immediately.
🔹 What a Marriage Officer Cannot Ask
“Why did you choose Delhi for marriage registration?”
The Court said this question violates personal liberty. Any couple can choose Delhi if they are residing there—even temporarily.
🔹 Practical Effect of the Judgment
- Delhi Marriage Officers must accept PG, hostel, or rental proof.
- No couple can be refused for being an “outsider”.
- No unnecessary delays or extra documents can be demanded.
🔹 Want to Register Marriage in Delhi?
Your home state—UP, Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, MP, Odisha, West Bengal—does not matter. If you are living in Delhi, even temporarily, you are eligible for Delhi marriage registration.
🔹 How Delhi Law Firm Supports You
- Document preparation
- Affidavits
- Online registration
- Marriage Officer hearing guidance
- Handling objections
- All India police protection support
- Court assistance for SMA & HMA
🔹 All India Legal Support
We assist in:
- Delhi Court Marriage
- Interfaith & Inter-caste marriages
- UP–Punjab–Haryana police protection
- Muslim Nikah validity
- SMA notice objections
- Marriage registration appeals
🔹 Contact Us
If any officer is refusing your registration due to jurisdiction, permanent address, “outsider” status, or parent’s consent — contact Delhi Law Firm immediately.
Your safety, dignity, and legal rights are our highest priority.
🌐 www.delhilawfirm.news | 📞 Helpline: 9990649999, 9999889091