Upon receipt of an application signed by both the parties to the marriage for the registration of their marriage under this Chapter, the Marriage Officer shall give public notice thereof in such manner as may be prescribed and after allowing a period of thirty days for objections and after hearing any objection received within the period, shall, if satisfied that all the conditions mentioned in section 15 are fulfilled, enter a certificate of the marriage in the Marriage Certificate Book in the Form specified in the Fifth Schedule, and such certificate shall be signed by the parties to the marriage and by three witnesses.
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 16
Section 16 sets forth the statutory procedure for the civil registration under Chapter III of marriages celebrated in other religious or customary forms, converting them into civil unions governed by the Special Marriage Act.
For couples married under customary rites without government proof seeking foreign visas or civil protections, apply under Section 16. Ensure both parties have attained 21 years of age at the time of application (a unique requirement under Section 15(c)).