Introduction
Getting married in India involves several legal requirements, and one of the most important of them is obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) from the Indian Embassy. This document confirms that you are not already married and are free to marry under Indian law. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment from the Indian Embassy, including the documents required and the steps involved.
What is a Certificate of No Impediment?
A Certificate of No Impediment is a document issued by the relevant authority in your home country or by the Indian Embassy in your country of residence. This certificate confirms that you are free to marry and that there is no legal barrier to your marriage. It is a mandatory requirement for couples who wish to get married in India under the Special Marriage Act or the Hindu Marriage Act.
Who needs a Certificate of No Impediment?
Any foreign national who wishes to get married in India under the Special Marriage Act or the Hindu Marriage Act needs to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment from the Indian Embassy in their country of residence. This includes both partners in the marriage, and the certificate must be obtained before the marriage can take place.
Documents Required for Obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment
The following documents are required to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment from the Indian Embassy:
- Valid Passport
- Birth certificate
- Proof of address
- Divorce decree (if applicable)
- Death certificate of spouse (if applicable)
Steps to Obtain a Certificate of No Impediment from the Indian Embassy
The following are the steps involved in obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment from the Indian Embassy:
Step 1: Make an Appointment
The first step is to make an appointment with the Indian Embassy in your country of residence. You can do this online or by calling the Embassy. It is important to make this appointment well in advance as the process can take several weeks.
Step 2: Fill out the Application Form
Once you have made an appointment, you will need to fill out an application form for the Certificate of No Impediment. This form can be obtained from the Indian Embassy website or from the Embassy itself. You will need to provide all the required information and attach the necessary documents.
Step 3: Submit the Application Form and Documents
Once you have filled out the application form and attached the necessary documents, you need to submit them to the Indian Embassy. You will also need to pay the applicable fee at this time. The Embassy will then process your application, which can take several weeks.
Step 4: Collect your Certificate of No Impediment
Once your application has been processed, you will receive your Certificate of No Impediment from the Indian Embassy. You can then proceed with your marriage in India under the Hindu Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Certificate of No Impediment from the Indian Embassy is a mandatory requirement for foreign nationals who wish to get married in India under the Hindu Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act. The process involves several steps and requires the submission of specific documents. It is important to make an appointment with the Indian Embassy well in advance and to follow all the required steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.
