HINDOE-EGGENOTE, WEET JY WAT JOU REGSPOSISIE IN DIE SUID-AFRIKAANSE REG IS?

Abstract

This article investigates the legal position of a Hindu wife married in terms of Hindu rites. In general, her marriage is not recognised as a valid marriage because it does not comply with the requirements set out in the Marriage Act 25 of 1961. Although the Durban and Coast Local Division of the High Court recently held that she is a "spouse" in terms of the Intestate Succession Act 81 of 1987, her legal position is far from certain. In Singh v Rampersad 2007 3 SA 445 (D) the court held that a monogamous marriage in terms of Hindu rites is not a valid marriage in terms of South African law. The non-recognition of her marriage has certain consequences, especially when a Hindu wife wants to dissolve her "marriage" or one of the "spouses" dies. In this contribution the differences between a Hindu marriage and a civil marriage are pointed out, including the possible consequences if parties want to conclude a marriage in terms of Hindu rites only.