For couples from different faiths or castes, the Special Marriage Act, 1954 provides a neutral, civil pathway for marriage registration and divorce. This Act removes the need to conform to religious rules and ensures equal matrimonial rights for both partners.

• Who it helps: Interfaith and intercaste couples opting for civil registration.
• Key advantages: Secular legal framework, uniform grounds for divorce, and gender-neutral remedies.
• Divorce grounds (Section 27): adultery, cruelty, desertion, unsound mind, virulent disease, renunciation, presumption of death.
• Mutual consent: Fast-track dissolution available where both spouses agree and conditions are met.

If spouses marry under a religious ceremony without civil registration, the relevant personal law (Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Parsi, etc.) may govern divorce and maintenance issues. Choice of law can affect grounds, procedures and remedies.

• Hindu Marriage Act: Applies when both parties are governed by Hindu law; judicial remedies mirror many Special Marriage Act grounds.
• Muslim Personal Law: Talaq, khula and reconciliation provisions operate differently — specialist advice required.
• Christian & Parsi laws: Separate statutory procedures and church/community considerations apply.
• Conflict of laws: Courts decide applicable law by looking at registration, ceremony, domicile and statutory tests.

Interfaith or intercaste separations often raise additional social and procedural hurdles — from evidence of registration to family objections. Early legal planning reduces delays and improves outcomes.

• Registration matters: A Special Marriage Act registration simplifies later divorce proceedings.
• Evidence & documentation: Marriage certificate, witnesses, and proof of cohabitation are commonly required.
• Mediation & reconciliation: Courts frequently encourage ADR — counselling and mediation can avoid contested litigation.
• Child custody & maintenance: Decided on welfare principles irrespective of faith or caste — expert legal advice recommended.