Synopsis The Special Marriage Act was enacted so as to provide a special form of marriage which can be advantageous for any person in India and by all Indian nationals, in foreign countries irrespective of the faith which either party to the marriage may profess. The parties may observe any ceremonies for the solemnization of their marriage but certain formalities are prescribed before the marriage can be registered by the marriage officer. For the benefit of Indian citizens abroad, the act provides for the appointment of diplomatic and consular officers as marriage officers for solemnizing and registering marriages between citizens of India in a foreign country. The act also contains provision for permitting persons who are already married under other forms of marriage to register their marriages under this act and thereby avail themselves of these provisions.