Child marriage in India: The Chains of Tradition

Abstract

Marriage is considered a sacred connection by the vast majority of Indians. It is considered a union between two families rather than two people. Marriage was regarded as an important and necessary part of human life, as well as a holy relationship. Marriage is no longer regarded a sacred act or relationship, but rather an obligation. Certain harmful rituals or practices breach the sacredness of marriage, such as 'child marriage', which entails marriage between minors who have not reached the legal age to get married. According to Child Marriage Act, 2006 Section 2(a) define “child means a person who, if a male, has not completed twenty-one year of age, and if a female, has not completed eighteen years of age”; and 2(b) define “child marriage means a marriage to which either of the contracting parities is a child; Child marriage is still practiced for a variety of reasons, including poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, social/cultural practices, and females being considered an economic burden, among others.

This research paper will discuss child marriage, its history, origins and effects, legislative perspectives, judicial approaches, and suggestions for combating such a social evil practice.