Child Marriage Declared a Criminal Offence
The Punjab government has drafted a new Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance aimed at eliminating underage marriages in the province. Sources confirmed the move on Saturday, stating that the ordinance will be presented in the upcoming session of the Punjab Assembly for approval.
Under the proposed law, the marriage of any boy or girl below the age of 18 will be considered a criminal offence. The minimum legal age for marriage has been set at 18 for both males and females. Strict penalties have been proposed for those involved in arranging or facilitating child marriages.
Any nikah registrar found registering an underage marriage could face up to one year in prison and a fine of Rs100,000. Similarly, adults contracting marriage with an underage girl could face a minimum of two years’ imprisonment. Those helping to facilitate such marriages may be fined up to Rs500,000.
The ordinance also addresses cohabitation or establishing marital relations with a minor after marriage, defining it as child abuse. Offenders may face five to seven years in prison along with a minimum fine of Rs1 million.
Strong Measures Against Child Trafficking and Guardians
The draft ordinance includes provisions against taking minors outside Punjab for marriage, which will be considered child trafficking. The punishment for this crime ranges from five to seven years in prison, with fines up to Rs1 million.
Parents or guardians involved in arranging underage marriages could face two to three years in prison. These measures aim to hold families accountable and discourage the perpetuation of child marriage practices.
All offences under the proposed law will be non-bailable and non-compoundable. This ensures that accused individuals cannot easily secure bail or settle cases privately, making enforcement stricter and more effective.
Fast-Track Court Proceedings and Repeal of Old Law
All child marriage cases will be heard in sessions courts, empowering judges to intervene immediately and stop marriages before they occur. Courts will be required to decide such cases within 90 days, ensuring speedy justice.
Once enacted, the ordinance will repeal the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929, replacing it with a more comprehensive framework to protect children. Government officials say the legislation is aimed at safeguarding children’s rights and curbing the deep-rooted social issue of child marriage in Punjab.
The proposed law is expected to strengthen legal measures, deter offenders, and provide timely protection to minors at risk. Civil society groups and child protection advocates have welcomed the ordinance as a significant step toward ending child marriages in the province.
