Prohibited by the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, which defines the legal age of marriage as 18 for girls and 21 for boys.

Marriages involving a minor are voidable at the option of the child, meaning the child can petition for annulment within two years of attaining majority.

Imposes strict penalties, including imprisonment up to two years and/or a fine up to ₹1 lakh, on parents, guardians, or any person who performs, promotes, or solemnizes a child marriage.

Severely impacts the health, education, and overall development of children, particularly girls, leading to higher maternal and infant mortality rates and increased risk of domestic violence.

Violates fundamental child rights, including the right to education (Article 21A), protection from exploitation (Article 23, 24), and the right to health.

Often linked to socio-economic factors like poverty, lack of education, traditional beliefs, and gender inequality, perpetuating an intergenerational cycle of disadvantage.

International conventions like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) advocate for its eradication.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 can be invoked if a child marriage involves sexual activity with a minor, treating it as sexual assault.

Government initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Kanyashree Prakalpa aim to prevent child marriage by promoting girl child education and empowerment.

The news highlights a significant reduction in Murshidabad from 90% in 2010 to 20% in 2024 due to sustained interventions.

Prohibited by the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, which defines the legal age of marriage as 18 for girls and 21 for boys.

Marriages involving a minor are voidable at the option of the child, meaning the child can petition for annulment within two years of attaining majority.

Imposes strict penalties, including imprisonment up to two years and/or a fine up to ₹1 lakh, on parents, guardians, or any person who performs, promotes, or solemnizes a child marriage.

Severely impacts the health, education, and overall development of children, particularly girls, leading to higher maternal and infant mortality rates and increased risk of domestic violence.

Violates fundamental child rights, including the right to education (Article 21A), protection from exploitation (Article 23, 24), and the right to health.

Often linked to socio-economic factors like poverty, lack of education, traditional beliefs, and gender inequality, perpetuating an intergenerational cycle of disadvantage.

International conventions like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) advocate for its eradication.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 can be invoked if a child marriage involves sexual activity with a minor, treating it as sexual assault.

Government initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Kanyashree Prakalpa aim to prevent child marriage by promoting girl child education and empowerment.

The news highlights a significant reduction in Murshidabad from 90% in 2010 to 20% in 2024 due to sustained interventions.