Dutt and Manyata who got married on February 11, had applied to register their marriage in Goa. However Manyata's residence certificate, which said she was a resident of Aquem, came under severe scrutiny.

Now the couple has decided that they do not want to solemnize their union under the prevailing Portuguese Civil Code, 1867. In an affidavit to the Salcette Sub Registrar's office, Dutt and Manyata declare they want to marry under the Special Marriage Act, 1954 and because that act is not recognized in Goa, they want to withdraw their application to register their marriage.

The authorities had decided to hold the application after it emerged that Manyata's residence status was doubtful. Furthermore the South Goa district administration had also issued a show cause notice to Manyata asking her to explain why her residence certificate should not be canceled.

Dutt's marriage with Manyata has been dogged by controversy after a man named Mehraj Shaikh claimed he was still married to Manyata and had not formally divorced her. He has also filed a petition at the Mumbai family court claiming Dutt's marriage violated Muslim marriage norms.

Sanjay Dutt's marriage was also not attended by his sisters or his daughter Trishala and it is thought they are unhappy with this step. This is Dutt's third marriage. He was earlier married to Richa Sharma and Rhea Pillai.