Clause 20

The Minister, upon proof being made to him by statutory declaration that there is no lawful impediment to the proposed marriage, and upon his being satisfied that the necessary consent, if any, to such marriage has been obtained, or that the consent has been dispensed with or given under section 12 of this Ordinance may, if he shall think fit, dispense with the giving of notice, and with the issue of a certificate for marriage, and may grant his licence in the prescribed form, authorizing the solemnization of a marriage between the parties named in such licence.

The Minister may in his discretion grant a licence under this section authorizing the solemnization of a marriage although the female party to the marriage is under the age of eighteen years.

If the marriage authorized by a licence under this section is not solemnized within one month from the date of the licence the licence shall become void.

The Minister may delegate his powers under this section to any person, subject to such conditions as he may think fit to impose.