The legally defined right age for girls to marry, according to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, is 18 years old.
Legal Age for Marriage in India
According to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, the legal age for marriage is:
| Gender | Legal Marriage Age |
|---|---|
| Women | 18 years |
| Men | 21 years |
Current Legal Framework
- Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006: This act clearly states that the legal age for a woman to marry is 18 years. Marrying before this age is considered child marriage and is illegal.
- Disparity: The law recognizes a difference in age for marriage for women and men.
- Proposed Changes: There is currently a motion to raise the legal age of marriage for women to 21 years old. This would align the marriage age for both men and women. This change is projected to take effect in the coming years.
Why is This Important?
- Protecting Children: Laws against child marriage aim to protect girls from the harmful effects of early marriage, such as reduced access to education and increased health risks.
- Empowering Women: Ensuring girls complete their education and develop their independence before marriage allows them to contribute more fully to society.
- Health Concerns: Early marriages can lead to significant health risks for women and their children, including complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Implications of Raising the Age to 21
- Equalizing the Law: By raising the age to 21, it aims to remove the legal difference in marriage age between women and men.
- Further Empowerment: This would potentially provide women with more time for education and personal development before marriage.
While the current legal right age for girls to marry is 18, the proposed changes highlight the ongoing efforts to prioritize the empowerment and protection of women.
