Rajasthan to legalize child marriages?

Jaipur, Jan 23: Amidst strong protest, the Rajasthan government has decided to frame a law for registration of child marriages.

Justifying its move, the government said that the decision does not give legal sanction to child marriages, adding that the bill was passed in 2009.

The process to formulate has already been started, the government said.

The state government 's decision has drawn crticism from all corners, with some alleging that the decision contradicts the marriage registration law.

"The decision is contradictory to the law of registration of marriages, which stipulates bride"s minimum age at 18 and the groom"s 21. Else, the marriage is considered illegal. So how can an illegal marriage be registered?"" asked PUCL convenor Kavita Srivastav.

Asking transparency in the law, Srivastav said that the state government should explain the law if it has plans to lower the minimum ages of marriage.

Despite the government's effort to discourage child marriages, official figures show that hundreds of child marriages, mostly in tribal belts, take place on 'Akha teej', as it is considered an auspicious day.

According to official records 68pc of girls are married off at the age of 18.

OneIndia News