The Special Marriage Act is an Indian law enacted in 1954 that allows individuals to marry regardless of their religion or caste. This act provides a legal framework for inter-religious and inter-caste marriages, ensuring that couples can marry without converting to each other's faith. Under this act, couples must give a notice of their intended marriage to the local marriage registrar, who then publishes it for public awareness. If no objections arise within a specified period, the marriage can be solemnized, granting legal recognition to the union under the provisions of the act.