New bill declares child marriage crime, strict penalties announced for offenders

In a groundbreaking move, according to the Child Marriage Restraint Bill, registering a marriage of a child under the age of 18 has been declared a criminal offence.

According to the new bill, the marriage registrar will be bound not to register the marriage of a child under the age of 18.

The person performing the marriage ceremony will ensure the presence of computerized identity cards of both parties before performing or registering the marriage.

If anyone does not comply with the new rules, one year of imprisonment or a fine of one lakh rupees or both will be imposed for registering or performing the marriage without providing information.

Additionally, under this new bill, marrying a girl under the age of 18 has also been declared a crime. The punishment for marriage of a man over the age of 18 to a minor girl has also been fixed.

If a man older in age tries to marry a minor girl, he will serve a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 3 years of imprisonment with hard labor. A fine will also be imposed for marriage to a minor girl.

Moreover, Intimate intercourse with a minor as a result of marriage with or without consent of a minor child will be considered rape. A person who induces, compels, incites or coerces a minor bride or groom to marry is also considered rape.

The punishment for arranging the marriage of a minor bride or groom will be 5 to 7 years of imprisonment, a fine of Rs 1 million, or both. A person who employs, shelters, or takes custody of a child for marriage will be punished with 3 years of imprisonment and a fine.

Penalties will also be prescribed for parents and guardians for the marriage of children under 18 years of age. Parents will be punished with 3 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine for promoting, abusing, or conducting marriages of minors.

Forcing or forcing minors to leave the area for marriage will be considered child trafficking. A person convicted of child trafficking will be punished with 5 to 7 years of imprisonment and a fine. The court will have the power to issue a restraining order to stop the marriage of children under 18 years of age.

The court will be obliged to dispose of cases related to the marriage of minors within 90 days. The bill will come into force in the federal capital from the date of its adoption.