According to a recent ruling by the Allahabad High Court, marriage certificates issued by the Arya Samaj are not legally binding. Furthermore, it was decided that the marriage certificate issued by the Arya Samaj is insufficient proof of a valid marriage.

“Learned counsel for the plaintiff-appellant has also completely failed to place before us any statutory provisions enabling the Arya Samaj to issue a marriage certificate. Thus, we have no difficulty holding that the Marriage Certificate issued by Arya Samaj has no statutory force…in the absence of a valid marriage, the marriage certificate of Arya Samaj is not proof of a valid marriage of the plaintiff-appellant and the defendant-respondent.” the Court said.

According to Section 7 of the 1955 Act, a Hindu marriage may be performed in accordance with the customary rites and ceremonies of either party, and where such rites and ceremonies involve the Saptapadi, or the taking of seven steps by the bridegroom and the bride together before the sacred fire, the marriage becomes final and binding upon the taking of the seventh step.