Child Marriage in India A Socio Legal Study with Special Reference to The State of Rajasthan

Abstract

Child Marriage is a practice where two minors who are below the prescribed age of marriage, i.e., girls below 18 years and boys below 21 years, are married, or one minor child gets married to an adult. Child marriage is a social evil that is not only prevalent in India but also around the world. As per the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, Child Marriage not only violates human rights but also undermines the progress toward developmental goals. Child Marriage is a major contributor to gender inequality. As per the studies, there is a clear link between child marriage and poor health due to early pregnancy, which contributes to maternal mortality and morbidity. Child Marriage is also associated with the attainment of lower education, especially for girls, which further limits their employment opportunities and economic security. The practice of child marriage is an ignored violation of the health of the girls and their development rights. The government is either not able to enforce the existing legislation or rectify the discrepancies newlinebetween the laws on the age of marriage and personal laws. The basic reason behind this is the official tolerance for societal, cultural, and customary norms which shapes and govern the institution of marriage. Child Marriage not only impacts the individual person but also has a negative effect on the family and the community. This evil practice thrives on poverty and affects the country s education and health sectors adversely. Young brides are generally overlooked in national policies for the health, education, employment, and empowerment of women. Child Marriage is also associated with various health risks because the young brides have very limited access to reproductive health information and services. Most of them are exposed to early sexual relations and pregnancy even before getting physically and psychologically mature. newline