What Is The Legal Age For Marriage In India For Men And Women?

In India, the legal age for marriage is specified under different laws depending on gender and the type of marriage. The laws aim to protect individuals from child marriage and ensure that both men and women are mature enough to enter into marriage.

1. Legal Age for Marriage for Women

• According to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, the legal age for marriage for women in India is 18 years. This means that a woman must be at least 18 years old to legally marry. Marriages involving women under this age are considered child marriages and are illegal.

2. Legal Age for Marriage for Men

• For men, the legal age for marriage is 21 years, as per the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. A man must be at least 21 years old to marry legally in India.

3. Implications of Marrying Below the Legal Age

• Child Marriage: Marriages where either or both parties are below the prescribed legal age are considered child marriages and are prohibited by law. Child marriage is a punishable offense, and those involved in the marriage, including the parents or guardians, can face legal consequences.
• Legal Consequences for Child Marriage:
  • If a person below the legal age marries, they can face legal consequences such as annulment of the marriage and criminal charges against the adults involved, including the parents or guardians who permitted the marriage.
  • In the case of a child marriage, the marriage can be voidable under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, meaning that the minor party (underage spouse) can approach the court to annul the marriage.

4. Exceptions to the Legal Age for Marriage

• There are no legal exceptions that allow for marriage before the age of 18 for women and 21 for men under the law. However, customary laws or certain communities may sometimes have different practices, but these practices do not override the statutory legal age.

Example

If a girl marries at the age of 16 and a boy marries at the age of 17, both marriages would be considered illegal under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. The marriages could be annulled by the court, and the parents or guardians involved could face criminal prosecution.

Conclusion

In India, the legal age for marriage is set at 18 years for women and 21 years for men. Marrying before reaching these ages is illegal and classified as child marriage, which can lead to criminal prosecution and annulment of the marriage. These laws are designed to protect individuals, especially minors, from early marriages and ensure that they are mature enough to enter into marital relationships.