(1)

This Act may be called The [Special Marriage Act , 1954] [The applicability of the Act has been extended to Dadra and Nagar Haveli by Regn. 6 of 1963, Section 2 and Sch.I and to Pondicherry by Regn.7 of 1963, Section 3 and Sch.I.].

(2)

It extends to the whole of India [***] [The words 'except the State of Jammu and Kashmir' omitted by Act 34 of 2019, s. 95 and the Fifth Schedule (w.e.f. 31-10-2019)], and applies also to citizens of India domiciled in the territories to which this Act extends who are [in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.] [Substituted by Act 33 of 1969, Section 29, for " outside the said territories " (w.e.f. 31.8.1969).]

(3)

It shall come into force on such date , as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.