Law against child marriage

7.1.4 Law against child marriage

Description

Quick Overview

The section discusses the passing of the Child Marriage Restraint Act in 1929, which aimed to prevent child marriages in India.

Standard

The section highlights the growing momentum for social reform against customs like child marriage, leading to the enactment of the Child Marriage Restraint Act in 1929. This law established age limits for marriage, marking a significant step in addressing inequalities faced by women and girls in society.

Detailed

Law against Child Marriage

The persistent tradition of child marriage in India saw substantial challenge and reform in the early 20th century, driven predominantly by women's organizations and rising social consciousness. This section focuses on the pivotal legislation named the Child Marriage Restraint Act, passed in 1929.

Key Points:

  1. Historical Context: Child marriage had been a common practice within various Indian communities, often resulting in severe social and health implications for young girls.
  2. Legislative Action: In a significant move, legislators in the Central Legislative Assembly worked collectively to eradicate this harmful practice. They campaigned for a formal law that would set age restrictions on marriage.
  3. The Child Marriage Restraint Act:
  4. Enacted in 1929, this law prohibited marriage for boys under 18 years and girls under 16 years. It was later amended to raise the legal ages to 21 for men and 18 for women, reflecting a commitment to protecting young individuals from forced marriages.
  5. Continued Challenges: Despite the legislative measures, societal practices and beliefs surrounding child marriage remained entrenched, with over 20% of girls in India still facing marriage before turning 18, illustrating the gap between legal frameworks and social realities.

Significance:

The introduction of the Child Marriage Restraint Act represented a landmark moment in Indian legal history, marking society's gradual shift towards gender equality and the protection of children’s rights. This reform not only aimed to prevent early marriages but also sought to empower women and promote their access to education and opportunities, signifying broader changes in societal norms.

Key Concepts

  • Child Marriage: The marriage of minors that is often forced and leads to physical and psychological issues.

  • Child Marriage Restraint Act: A pivotal law designed to curb child marriage practices in India.

  • Cultural Practices: Deep-rooted traditions that can impede legal reforms and social progress.

Memory Aids

🎡 Rhymes Time

  • In the world so wide, let childhood abide; no marriage soon, let them learn, grow, and bloom.

πŸ“– Fascinating Stories

  • Once there was a girl named Isha who wished to learn and dream. But family tradition pushed her to marry young. It was only when her community learned about the importance of education that they changed their minds, helping Isha flourish.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • To remember the ages set by the law, think '1-8-2-1' for the ages 18 & 16, then 21 & 18.

🎯 Super Acronyms

M.A.R.R.I.A.G.E - Many Adolescent Relationships Risk Individual Adolescents' Growth & Education.

Examples

  • An example of child marriage is when an eight-year-old girl is married to a man much older than her, which was a common situation in some regions of India.

  • In modern India, statistics show that approximately 20% of girls are still married before the age of 18, illustrating the ongoing challenges in enforcing the Child Marriage Restraint Act.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: Child Marriage

    Definition:

    The practice of marrying off young individuals, particularly girls, before legal age.

  • Term: Child Marriage Restraint Act

    Definition:

    A law enacted in 1929 aimed at prohibiting child marriage in India.

  • Term: Legislative Assembly

    Definition:

    A governing body responsible for making laws in a specific region or country.

  • Term: Age of Marriage

    Definition:

    The legally stipulated minimum age for individuals to marry.