| Section | Rule | Key Concept | Case Law |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Application of the Act | Applies to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs. | Sastri Yagnapurushadji v. Muldas |
| 3 | Definitions | Defines terms like Hindu, custom, and usage. | |
| 5 | Conditions for valid marriage | Monogamy (one spouse), sound mind, age (21 male, 18 female), not within prohibited relationship. | Yamunabai Anantrao Adhav v. Anantrao Adhav |
| 7 | Ceremonies for marriage | Marriage must follow customary rites (traditions). | Bhaurao Shankar Lokhande v. State of Maharashtra |
| 8 | Registration of marriage | Marriage can be registered for legal proof. | |
| 9 | Restitution of conjugal rights | Husband or wife can ask court to restore marital life. | Saroj Rani v. Sudarshan Kumar Chadha |
| 10 | Judicial separation | Court allows spouses to live separately without ending marriage. | |
| 11 | Void marriages | Marriage is invalid if conditions in Section 5 are violated (e.g., bigamy). | Yamunabai Anantrao Adhav v. Anantrao Adhav |
| 12 | Voidable marriages | Marriage valid until cancelled (e.g., fraud, force, impotence). | |
| 13 | Divorce | Lists grounds for divorce (cruelty, desertion, adultery, etc.). | Shobha Rani v. Madhukar Reddy V. Bhagat v. D. Bhagat |
| 13B | Divorce by mutual consent | Both spouses agree to end marriage peacefully. | Sureshta Devi v. Om Prakash |
| 14 | No divorce within 1 year | Divorce petition cannot be filed within 1 year of marriage (except hardship). | |
| 15 | Remarriage after divorce | Parties can remarry after divorce is final. | |
| 16 | Legitimacy of children | Children of void/voidable marriage are considered legitimate (legal). | |
| 17 | Punishment for bigamy | Second marriage during lifetime of spouse is punishable. | |
| 18 | Penalties for breach | Punishment for violating marriage conditions. | |
| 19 | Court jurisdiction | Specifies which court can hear marriage cases. | |
| 23 | Decree in proceedings | Court must ensure fairness and no misuse of law. | |
| 24 | Maintenance during case | Financial support during court case. | |
| 25 | Permanent alimony | Long-term financial support after divorce. | Chand Dhawan v. Jawaharlal Dhawan |
| 26 | Custody of children | Court decides care and custody of children. | |
| 27 | Disposal of property | Court decides distribution of joint property. | |
| 28 | Appeals | Right to appeal against court decisions. |