Bill to Raise Legal Marriage Age for Women as 17th Lok Sabha Dissolves

Following the dissolution of the 17th Lok Sabha, a significant legislative initiative aimed at increasing the legal marriage age for women has lapsed. The Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which sought to bring uniformity in marriage age, was introduced in December 2021 but did not progress beyond the Standing Committee stage.

With the dissolution of the Lok Sabha, constitutional expert P. D. T. Acharya confirmed that the Bill has now lapsed, citing legal provisions. The Bill intended to amend the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, raising the minimum marriage age for females to 21 years, with provisions for annulment extended to five years after attaining majority. This development highlights the need for renewed efforts in addressing legal reforms concerning marriage laws in India.