The Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021
INTRODUCED BY
Smt. Smriti Irani
Minister for Women Child Development
Minister of Textiles
SYNOPSIS
The bill proposes to increase the minimum age of marriage of female to 21 years from 18 years.
HIGHLIGHTS
Salient Points ()
The bill seeks to increase the legal age of women at par with men to marry at 21 years (instead of 18 years).
The bill urged to amend personal laws:
- Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872
- Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936
- Special Marriage Act, 1954
- Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
- Foreign Marriage Act, 1969
The bill seeks to override all existing laws including any custom, usage or practice governing the parties in relation to marriage
BACKGROUND
- Women are put in disadvantageous position for not giving opportunity for higher education, vocational instruction, attainment of psychological maturity and skill-sets.
- The women get married instead of becoming self sufficient, which leads to their dependence on men.
KEY STATS
TIMELINES
Introduced in Lok Sabha
Referred to standing committee
WHY (as per the govt)
Salient Points ()
This would provide equal rights to men and women to enter into matrimony.
The existing law do not adequately protect constitutional mandate of gender equality in marriageable age of men and women.
This would also help in lowering the maternal mortality rate and infant mortality rate and improving nutrition levels and sex ratio at birth.
WHY NOT (as per opposition)
Salient Points ()
The bill infringe with several personal laws in violation of fundamental rights.
The bill has been introduced in hurry and without consulting stakeholders.
The bill is unwanted, unconstitutional and violation of Article 25 of the Constitution.
MEDIA SAYING
Media Saying ()
News18 VIDEOS
Videos ()
OPINION POLL
Citizen Poll
The Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021
Do you support the bill?
Responses