Marriage registration · Nagaland

Marriage Registration in Nagaland: 371A and Customary Law

Most marriages in Nagaland are solemnised in church or by Naga customary practice, which Article 371A protects. Registration is done through the Deputy Commissioner’s office, and the Special Marriage Act applies through a state law of 2002.

By TrueSaath · published 2026-10-22 · checked October 2026

Article 371A

Article 371A of the Constitution says that no Act of Parliament on the religious or social practices of the Nagas, Naga customary law and procedure, the administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law, or ownership and transfer of land and its resources applies to Nagaland unless the Nagaland Legislative Assembly decides so by resolution. Each Naga tribe has its own customary practice on marriage, divorce and inheritance, and village and customary courts often deal with family disputes. Marriage registration has to respect that framework.

Is registration compulsory in Nagaland?

We could not find a state law that makes registration compulsory. A Nagaland Registration of Marriage Bill was introduced in the Assembly in March 2012, citing the Supreme Court’s 2006 direction in Seema v. Ashwani Kumar that marriages be registered. The government said the bill only provided for registrars and a register, without religious or social connotation, and did not touch customary law. Several tribal bodies raised concerns, and reports describe the bill as deferred. Check with the district office for the current position.

Registration is voluntary, then, but useful. A certificate is the simplest proof of marriage for a passport, a spouse visa, insurance, pension and succession.

The Special Marriage Act in Nagaland

The Special Marriage Act, 1954 did not originally apply in the Naga Hills because of the Sixth Schedule, and it later ceased to apply in Tuensang and Mon. The state passed the Special Marriage Act, 1954 (Extension to Nagaland) Act (Act No. 8 of 2002) to extend it, with one change: where a person belonging to a Scheduled Tribe in Nagaland marries under the Act, section 21 does not apply. Section 21 is the provision that would otherwise apply the Indian Succession Act, 1925 to succession, so Naga customary succession is preserved. The Act came into force on a date to be notified by the state; ask the office whether it is in force in your district.

This route suits inter-community and inter-religion couples, or anyone who wants a civil marriage. See court marriage under the Special Marriage Act.

Church and customary marriages

Christian marriages are commonly solemnised by licensed ministers, who issue a church certificate. Customary marriages are recognised under the practice of the tribe concerned. Couples who want a government record can approach the registrar at the Deputy Commissioner’s office with that certificate or with proof of the customary ceremony. When the 2012 bill was being discussed, a state official said registration would cover marriages solemnised in church, under Naga customary law or in court.

Other couples

Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Sikh couples who are not Scheduled Tribe members can register under the Hindu Marriage Act; that Act does not apply to Scheduled Tribes unless the Centre directs otherwise.

Documents

Offices usually ask for age proof, address proof, photographs, the church certificate or other proof of the ceremony, witnesses with identity proof and, where relevant, a divorce decree or death certificate. See the documents checklist.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws, forms and procedures change, so confirm the current steps with the registering office before you apply. For your own situation speak to a lawyer, or get free legal aid through your District Legal Services Authority; NALSA’s legal aid helpline is 15100.

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Questions people ask

What does Article 371A mean for marriages in Nagaland?

Acts of Parliament on Naga religious or social practices and customary law do not apply in Nagaland unless the state Assembly adopts them by resolution, so customary marriage practice is protected.

Is marriage registration compulsory in Nagaland?

We found no compulsory-registration law in force. A 2012 bill was introduced but reported as deferred, so registration is voluntary but recommended.

Does the Special Marriage Act apply in Nagaland?

It was extended by a 2002 state Act. For a Scheduled Tribe member marrying under it, section 21 on succession does not apply.

Where can a church marriage be registered in Nagaland?

At the registrar in the Deputy Commissioner’s office of your district, with the church certificate and identity documents.

Sources

Checked in October 2026. Rules, fees and portals change; confirm on the official site before you apply.

The national guides

Hindu Marriage Registration under Section 8 HMAhindu marriage registration Court Marriage under the Special Marriage Actcourt marriage process Documents for Marriage Registrationdocuments required for marriage registration Inter-Religion Marriage Registration in Indiainter religion marriage registration Marriage Certificate Onlinemarriage certificate online NRI Marriage Registration and Apostille in Indianri marriage registration Late Marriage Registrationlate marriage registration Name Change after Marriagename change after marriage

Other states

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