How many child brides are there in India?
Estimates suggest that each year, at least 1.5 million girls under 18 get married in India, which makes it home to the largest number of child brides in the world – accounting for a third of the global total. Nearly 16 per cent adolescent girls aged 15-19 are currently married.
What is the youngest age to get married in India?
In India, the government has proposed legislation to raise the minimum age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years old, bringing it on par with men and saying it will empower women.
Is child marriage valid in India?
Under the law, child marriages, although illegal, are not void but “voidable.” A child marriage can be declared null and void by a court when either party to the marriage files a petition under Article 3(4) of the 2006 Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
Who banned child marriage?
It is popularly known as the Sarda Act, after its sponsor Harbilas Sharda. It came into effect six months later on 1 April 1930 and applied to all of British India. It was a result of social reform movement in India.
Can a 20 year old boy get married in India?
In India, a male can marry after his 21st birthday and a girl, after her 18th birthday. After such age, you can marry under the Special Marriage Act.
What is the punishment for child marriage in India?
—Whoever, being a male adult above eighteen years of age, contracts a child marriage shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees or with both.
Who is punished for child marriage?
Which State Has Lowest Child Marriage in India?
Jammu and Kashmir was reported to be the only state with lowest child marriage cases at 0.4% in 2009. Rural rates of child marriages were three times higher than urban India rates in 2009. Child marriage was outlawed in 1929, under Indian law.
Why did child marriage started in India?
It was believed during those times that if two persons know each other right from childhood it enhanced understanding and affection. Hence, parents decided on the marriages of their children at a very early age although the daughter stayed with her parents until she attained the age of puberty.
Can I marry at 19?
Minimum age for a boy to marry is 21 years and for girl it is 18 years. If you marry before attaining the age of 21 years your marriage will be null and void. Better you wait till you attain 21 years of age and now concentrate in study so that you can earn and maintain your wife after marriage.