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If you think a bachelorhood certificate is related to singleness, for sure, it is. Here, singleness is not about bachelorhood or being unmarried. It is the state of being single, which means that a married person can also be single if he or she is a divorcee or widow. Overall, the person must be single. This is the only condition for applying for it.
This blog will help you discover the definition, value of this single status certificate and how you can get it in India.
Purpose and Importance
The certificate of bachelorhood is a legal document that the sub-divisional magistrate issues to serve multiple purposes. Majorly, it is required for marriage registration, visas or passports, employment, and education abroad. Let’s introduce you to its obvious reasons:
- Marriage Registration: The Indian state government recognizes it as a certificate of bachelorhood. It is a must for those who are likely to get married and register. So, it becomes a legal document, proving that the individual is legally eligible for marriage, especially abroad.
- Visa and Passport Applications: Visas and passports are essential documents for those who are or are likely to settle abroad temporarily on a job or business. Some countries require unmarried proof to approve visa applications. Otherwise, their documentation does not get finished.
- Employment and Education Abroad: The third reason can be education abroad. Obviously, hundreds of students go for a course or education in the UK, USA, or any other country. Certain countries may not allow you to study in their countries because of the unavailability of single status. It may be part of the verification of his or her marital status before giving admission to their university or a specific study program.
Issuing Authority
Unfortunately, India does not employ a specific officer, but the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or District Magistrate (DM) to issue this document. So, you can check out the list of SDMs appointed in your area online and apply for this document.
As far as the process is concerned, it may vary from state to state. But overall, it requires an application with some supporting documents in order to prove the identity and address of the applicant.
Documents Required
If you are going to apply for a single status certificate or bachelorhood certificate in India, these documents may be required.
- Application form, which is a prescribed form that you can obtain at the office of the SDM/DM or online.
- Proof of identity, which can be your aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, or any other government-issued photo ID.
- Proof of address can be any of these- aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, or utility bills.
- Affidavit, which is certainly a sworn statement that mentions the declaration of the applicant’s unmarried status.
- Age proof, which can be your birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or any other document indicating the applicant’s date of birth.
Process of Obtaining the Certificate
After learning what the certificate of bachelorhood is, discover how you can obtain it.
Step 1. Affidavit: There may not be any application submission in this case. The SDM will ask you the purpose and then draft an affidavit mentioning your name, date of birth, address, the purpose of this application, and the state of being married or married but divorced or widowed.
Step 2. Verification: The SDM officer may ask to conduct a verification. You must be ready with all supporting documents so that the verification can be completed the very same day.
Step 3. Issuance of Certificate: Once the application and verification go smoothly, and your documents are in proper order, the SDM or DM will issue this certificate as a bachelorhood affidavit in the name of the applicant.
Validity and Use
In countries like the Philippines, this certificate may be valid for a certain period, which can be six months or a year. It depends on the issuing authority and governing policies. The applicant should use it shortly because it is issued for a reason, which can be marriage registration, visa application, etc. Overall, its validity ensures that the purpose must be fulfilled.
Challenges and Considerations
However, it is a significant document. But, it won’t be smooth and hurdle-free to obtain this legal document in India because of bureaucratic processes, lengthy verification procedures, and the lack of a standardized process across diverse states in India. There are multiple cases facing delays for lack of proper documentation and discrepancies in their supporting documents.
Legal
Considering the legal perspective, this paper is a declaration regarding the marital status of the applicant. Providing false information to obtain this affidavit is a legal offence. Its consequences can be severe, including penalties or disqualification from the marriage registration process.
Conclusion
The certificate of bachelorhood in India is actually an affidavit issued by the sub-divisional magistrate or district magistrate of a region. It is treated as proof of an individual’s unmarried or single status. The applicant may require it for different purposes, like marriage registration, visa and passport applications, and opportunities for education and employment abroad. Obtaining it is not easy because it involves administrative obstacles and specific requirements.
