Is it a crime to marry a girl under 18 in India?

Yes, marrying a girl below 18 is a crime in India. According to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006, the perpetrators of this offense are punished. This Act prohibits child marriage in India and protects the welfare of children.

Under this Act, child marriage is prohibited if one or both parties to the marriage are minors. A child marriage is legally defined as a marriage between a male under the age of 21 or a female under the age of 18.

Child marriages are considered illegal and void in India. The Act aims to prevent child marriages, protect the rights of minors and annul such marriages.

Indulging in, promoting or facilitating child marriage are all criminal offenses under the Act.

The Act imposes penalties including imprisonment and fines for those who commit or attempt to commit such offences.

The legal age of marriage in India is 18 years for women and 21 years for men. Marrying a girl below the age of 18 is not only a criminal offense but also a violation of her rights and well-being.

The Government of India has been implementing various activities and campaigns to create awareness about the ill effects of child marriages and to enforce laws against them.

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