Analysis of the Law Relating to Prohibition of ChildMarriage in India

Abstract

Child marriage is the practice of marrying off children before the age of 18. Child
marriage affects both girls and boys, but affects girls disproportionately in South Asia. There
is no explicit law that forbids child marriage in India. The Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2021
aims to increase the legal age of consent for child weddings in the country. The Prohibition of
Child Marriages Act has long been called for to declare child marriages void from the start,
but Indian society is intricate and complex and doing so would only risk the rights of women
who have been subjected to child marriage. In addition to the girl child, the kid born as a
result of the early pregnancy and subsequent marriage is also subject to the risks of early
marriage. In conclusion, the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021's
proposal to raise the minimum age of marriage for females from 18 to 21 years is an essential
step in defending their rights and avoiding child weddings. By doing this, it will be made
possible for girls to finish their education on time, have the chance to learn new skills, and
make decisions about their future with knowledge. Girls who postpone marriage are also less
likely to experience health issues associated with early pregnancy and childbirth. Thus, rising
the legal age of marriage for girls is a vital action that will advance their welfare, selfdetermination, and equality.