SC push to end child marriages

The Supreme Court of India has recently taken significant steps to end child marriages.

Amendment Suggestion: The court has suggested amending the Prevention of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006 to outlaw child betrothals.

This amendment aims to address the loophole that allows child betrothals to evade penalties under the current law.

Guidelines:

The court issued a set of guidelines to effectively implement the PCMA.

About the Prevention of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006 The Prevention of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006 is an important piece of legislation in India aimed at preventing child marriages and protecting the rights of minors.

Objective: The PCMA seeks to prohibit child marriages and provide legal provisions for the protection and welfare of children. 

Custody and Maintenance: The Act provides for the custody and maintenance of children born from child marriages.

Key Provisions: 

Age of Marriage: 18 years for girls. 21 years for boys.

Punishment for Offenders: Parents or guardians involved in arranging child marriages can face imprisonment up to 2 years or a fine of ₹1,00,000 (or both). Priests, organizers, or facilitators of child marriages are also liable for punishment.