History of Child Marriage Laws in India: Story till Now

In India, the ancient old practice of child marriage is still prevailing in society. The government, with an aim to end such practices, has made laws over the years, the effect of which is apparent, at least in urban parts of society. But additional efforts are needed for improvement in rural areas. The practice of child marriage is still common in rural areas, which is motivated by poverty and illiteracy. According to National Family Health Survey-5, in rural areas, there are still 27% of women aged 20-24 years who were married before age 18 years. This gross violation of human rights needs to be stopped. Fortunately, the government has always felt the same need and has made efforts to end such practice; one of the examples of such efforts is the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006; this Act is considered as the most substantial development done in the laws to tackle the problem of child marriage, after the implementation the Act there was a high drop in the number of child marriage. Another bill that seeks to bring massive developments in-laws for the betterment of the children is in progress. An Attempt has been made in this paper to discuss the child marriage law and its developments over the years.