This law was made to stop child marriages in India and to protect the rights of children (especially girls) who are forced into marriage.
Key Highlights:
- Minimum Age for Marriage:
- 18 years for girls
- 21 years for boys
- Child marriage is illegal, but not automatically void.
- It is voidable, meaning the child can ask a court to cancel the marriage.
- Who can file for annulment:
- The child (within 2 years of becoming an adult)
- Their guardian, or a Child Marriage Prohibition Officer (CMPO)
- Protection for the child:
- The court can order maintenance, residence, and custody for the minor spouse.
- Punishments:
- Those who perform, conduct, or allow child marriages can face up to 2 years of jail and a fine up to ₹1 lakh.
- Special Officers:
- The law appoints Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) to prevent and stop child marriages.
- Void Marriages:
- In some cases (like the marriage of a child by force or trafficking), the marriage is automatically void.
- Applies to all religions in India.
FAQs – Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006
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1. What is the legal age to get married?
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Girls must be at least 18 years old and boys at least 21 years old.
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2. Is it illegal to marry before this age?
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Yes, marrying before this age is against the law.
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3. If a child marries before the legal age, is the marriage automatically cancelled?
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No, the marriage is valid unless the child asks the court to cancel it.
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4. Who can ask the court to cancel a child marriage?
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The child involved, their parents or guardian, or a government officer.
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5. How long does the child have to ask the court to cancel the marriage?
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Within 2 years after they become an adult (18 for girls, 21 for boys).
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6. What happens if the child does not want to cancel the marriage?
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Then the marriage remains valid.
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7. Are people punished for performing or helping in child marriages?
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Yes, they can face jail time and fines.
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8. Can parents be punished if they arrange a child marriage?
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Yes, parents can be legally punished.
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9. Can someone else report a child marriage if they know about it?
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Yes, anyone can report a child marriage to the police or government.
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10. Are all child marriages the same under the law?
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No, marriages by force or trafficking are automatically cancelled.
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11. What if a girl is forced into marriage before 18?
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She has the right to get the marriage cancelled by the court.
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12. Can the court protect a child married early?
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Yes, the court can order maintenance, custody, and safe residence for the child.
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13. Does this law apply to all religions?
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Yes, it applies to everyone in India, no matter their religion.
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14. What if a child marriage happens outside India?
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If the child is underage as per Indian law, it can be challenged in India.
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15. Is it necessary to register a marriage for this law to apply?
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No, even unregistered child marriages are illegal.
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16. What should I do if I know a child marriage is planned?
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Inform the police, Child Marriage Prohibition Officer, or local authorities.
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17. Who are Child Marriage Prohibition Officers?
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They are government officials who work to stop child marriages.
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18. Can a child get help if they want to leave a child marriage?
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Yes, the law provides support to protect the child’s rights.
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19. What punishments can someone get for forcing a child marriage?
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Up to 2 years in jail and a fine.
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20. Why is this law important?
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To protect children from early marriage, which can harm their health, education, and future.
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