Child marriage prevention bill placed at parliament
The proposed child marriage prevention bill 2016 was placed in the parliament today suggesting strict punitive actions against marriage between boys and girls who are below 21 and 18 years respectively.
However, the proposed law has a provision for “special circumstances” under which girls below the age can tie the knot.
READ MORE: Special Provision in anti-child marriage law disastrous
State Minister for Women and Children Meher Afroze placed the bill titled "Balya Bibaha Nirodh Ain 2016" (Child Marriage Restraint Act-2016) which was sent to the parliamentary standing committee to the respective ministry for scrutiny later.
READ MORE: Girls' Age for Marriage: 18 years, with exceptions
According to the draft law, a boy below 21 years and a girl below 18 years would be considered under-aged and would be incompetent to be locked in wedding cord and such marriages would be treated as child marriage.
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As per section 19 of the proposed law, a child marriage would not be considered an offence if it was for the interest of the underage girl. This has to be done in line with the directives of a court, with the consent of the parents, and following due procedure.
Women and rights bodies demanded cancellation of the provision terming it contrary to the very law that has been proposed. They said it would encourage child marriage.
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