s 96 Restriction on solemnisation of marriage
96.—(1) No marriage may be solemnised under this Act unless all the conditions necessary for the validity thereof, in accordance with the Muslim law and the provisions of this Act, are satisfied. (2) No marriage may be solemnised under this Act if the man to be wedded is married to any person other than the other party to the intended marriage, except —(a) by a Kadi; or (b) with the written consent of a Kadi, by the wali of the woman to be wedded. (3) Before solemnising a marriage or giving his written consent to the solemnisation of a marriage under subsection (2), the Kadi must satisfy himself after inquiry that there is no lawful obstacle according to the Muslim law or this Act to such marriage. (4) No marriage may be solemnised under this Act if at the date of the marriage either party is below 18 years of age. (5) Despite subsection (4), a Kadi may in special circumstances solemnise the marriage of a girl who is below 18 years of age but has attained the age of puberty.