India's legislative journey against child marriage reflects a gradual strengthening of legal provisions, moving from a deterrent approach to a more comprehensive framework aimed at prevention, protection, and punishment. The ongoing debates signify a continued evolution towards gender equality and empowerment.

• 1929Child Marriage Restraint Act (Sarda Act) enacted. Set minimum age for marriage at 14 for girls and 18 for boys. Weak penalties, no provision to void marriages.
• 2006Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) enacted. Replaced Sarda Act. Raised minimum age to 18 for females, 21 for males. Declared child marriages voidable, made it a cognizable and non-bailable offense, provided for CMPOs and stricter penalties.
• 2019Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. PCMA, 2006 extended to the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh, ensuring uniform application across India.
• 2021Bill introduced to amend PCMA, 2006. Proposed to raise the minimum age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years, aligning it with men's age. Based on Jaya Jaitly Committee recommendations.
• 2025Current Status: The proposed amendment bill is under parliamentary review and public debate, with discussions ongoing regarding its potential impact and implementation challenges.

India's legislative journey against child marriage reflects a gradual strengthening of legal provisions, moving from a deterrent approach to a more comprehensive framework aimed at prevention, protection, and punishment. The ongoing debates signify a continued evolution towards gender equality and empowerment.

• 1929Child Marriage Restraint Act (Sarda Act) enacted. Set minimum age for marriage at 14 for girls and 18 for boys. Weak penalties, no provision to void marriages.
• 2006Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) enacted. Replaced Sarda Act. Raised minimum age to 18 for females, 21 for males. Declared child marriages voidable, made it a cognizable and non-bailable offense, provided for CMPOs and stricter penalties.
• 2019Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. PCMA, 2006 extended to the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh, ensuring uniform application across India.
• 2021Bill introduced to amend PCMA, 2006. Proposed to raise the minimum age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years, aligning it with men's age. Based on Jaya Jaitly Committee recommendations.
• 2025Current Status: The proposed amendment bill is under parliamentary review and public debate, with discussions ongoing regarding its potential impact and implementation challenges.