In India, the annulment of marriage is governed by various laws depending on the personal status of the individuals involved. Annulment is a legal declaration that a marriage was invalid from the beginning. Here’s a summary of the provisions for annulment under different legal frameworks: 1. Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 Under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, which applies to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, the provisions for annulment are as follows: Section 11: Nullity of Marriage and Divorce: A marriage can be annulled if it falls under any of the following grounds: Bigamy: If either party was already married at the time of marriage and the previous spouse is still alive. Prohibited Relationship: If the parties are within degrees of prohibited relationship as defined under the Act. Consent: If the marriage was solemnized under a mistake about the nature of the marriage or without the free consent of one of the parties. Section 12: Voidable Marriages: Grounds for Annulment: Non-Consummation: If the marriage has not been consummated due to the incapacity of one party. Fraud: If the consent to marriage was obtained through fraud or misrepresentation. Unsound Mind: If either party was of unsound mind at the time of marriage. Pregnancy: If the wife was pregnant by another person at the time of marriage and the husband was unaware. Procedure: A petition for annulment must be filed in the family court. If the grounds for annulment are established, the court can declare the marriage null and void. 2. Special Marriage Act, 1954 Under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, which applies to marriages between individuals of different religions or those who opt for this Act, the provisions for annulment include: Section 24: Void and Voidable Marriages: Grounds for Annulment: Bigamy: If either party was already married at the time of marriage. Prohibited Relationship: If the parties are within degrees of prohibited relationship. Consent: If the marriage was solemnized under a mistake about the nature of the marriage or without the free consent of one of the parties. Section 25: Grounds for Annulment of Voidable Marriage: Grounds: Non-Consummation: If the marriage has not been consummated due to the incapacity of one party. Fraud: If the consent to marriage was obtained through fraud or misrepresentation. Unsound Mind: If either party was of unsound mind at the time of marriage. Pregnancy: If the wife was pregnant by another person at the time of marriage and the husband was unaware. Procedure: A petition for annulment can be filed in the family court. The court will examine the grounds and, if satisfied, annul the marriage. 3. Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872 For Christians, the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872 provides grounds for annulment: Section 19: Nullity of Marriage: Grounds for Annulment: Bigamy: If either party was already married at the time of marriage. Prohibited Relationship: If the parties are within degrees of prohibited relationship. Consent: If the marriage was solemnized under a mistake about the nature of the marriage or without the free consent of one of the parties. Procedure: A petition for annulment must be filed in the family court. The court will examine the grounds and, if proven, annul the marriage. 4. Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936 For Parsis, the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936 governs annulment: Section 30: Nullity of Marriage: Grounds for Annulment: Bigamy: If either party was already married at the time of marriage. Prohibited Relationship: If the parties are within degrees of prohibited relationship. Consent: If the marriage was solemnized under a mistake about the nature of the marriage or without the free consent of one of the parties. Procedure: A petition for annulment can be filed in the family court. The court will examine the grounds and, if valid, annul the marriage. 5. Muslim Personal Law Muslim personal law does not have a specific provision for annulment as seen in other personal laws. However, annulment of marriage can be sought under certain circumstances: Talaq-e-Talaq (for men): A man can divorce his wife by pronouncing "Talaq" three times. Talaq-e-Talaq-e-Talaq (for women): A woman may seek annulment on grounds such as non-consummation or other issues under Sharia law. Conclusion In India, the grounds and procedures for the annulment of marriage vary depending on personal laws applicable to the individuals involved. Annulment is typically sought when a marriage is invalid from its inception due to factors such as bigamy, lack of consent, fraud, or non-consummation. Each personal law provides a framework for annulment, ensuring that individuals have legal recourse to address invalid or defective marriages.