Hindu Marriage Act & the consequences of a bigamous marriage

According to Section 5 (iii) of the Hindu Marriage Act, the bridegroom (boy) has to complete 21 years of age and the bride (girl) 18 years of age. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 prohibits marriage of a male who has not completed 21 years of age and a female who has not completed 18 years of age.

Any second marriage is void if at the date of such marriage either party had a husband or wife living. It is also punishable under section 494 & 495 of the Indian Penal Code. Section 494 prescribes for imprisonment, which may extend to 7 years and fine.

Exceptions(in India):

for all religions except Muslims, a man or a woman may marry only once. If they marry a second time, it is known as bigamy. Only a Muslim man may have four wives.