The practice of Hindu marriage law in India is primarily governed by the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. Here are some key aspects of the practice of Hindu marriage law in India:

  1. Eligibility for Marriage: Both parties must be Hindus, Buddhists, Jains or Sikhs, and must not be within the degrees of prohibited relationship. They must be of legal age, i.e., the bridegroom must have completed 21 years of age and the bride must have completed 18 years of age.
  2. Solemnization of Marriage: Hindu marriages are traditionally solemnized in the presence of a Hindu priest and witnesses. However, the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, also provides for marriage registration before a registrar.
  3. Customary Practices: Hindu marriage ceremonies involve a variety of customary practices and rituals, such as kanyadaan (giving away of the bride by her father), pheras (circling the sacred fire seven times), and sindoor and mangalsutra ceremony (symbolizing the married status of the bride). These customs and rituals vary across different regions and communities.
  4. Rights and Obligations: After the marriage, both spouses have certain rights and obligations towards each other, such as the right to cohabitation, the duty to provide support and maintenance, and the right to inherit property. The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, provides for the legal framework of these rights and obligations.
  5. Divorce: In case of irreconcilable differences or disputes, either party can file for divorce under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The grounds for divorce include cruelty, desertion, adultery, and conversion to another religion.
  6. Maintenance and Alimony: In case of separation or divorce, the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, provides for the maintenance and alimony of the spouse who is unable to maintain themselves.
  7. Annulment: Under certain circumstances, such as if either party is already married, the marriage can be annulled under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

In conclusion, the practice of Hindu marriage law in India involves a combination of legal requirements, customary practices, and social norms. The legal framework provides for the rights and obligations of both spouses during and after the marriage, while customary practices vary across different regions and communities.