PTC News Desk: The Himachal Pradesh State Assembly passed a bill on August 27 to raise the minimum marriage age for women from 18 to 21 years in order to promote gender equality and higher education.

Women Empowerment Minister Dhani Ram Shandil introduced the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Himachal Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2024, during the State Assembly's ongoing monsoon session. The bill was approved by voice vote. The opposition BJP neither supported nor opposed it. 

Why did the Himachal Pradesh Assembly pass the bill?

While presenting the Bill in the Assembly on Tuesday, Health, Social Justice, and Empowerment Minister Dhani Ram Shandil stated that raising the marriage age was vital for providing women more opportunities.

"Marriage at a young age can hinder a girl's education and career advancement..." Furthermore, many women are unable to advance in their careers due to early marriage," he stated.

The minister also noted that early marriage and motherhood often have a negative influence on women's health. The Bill's 'Statement of Objects and Reasons' states that early marriages hinder women's professional and physical development.

What is the issue with bill?

The move did not go well with Pratibha Singh, Congress' state chief. Pratibha Singh expressed surprise at the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government's move, citing the Congress' opposition to a similar Bill proposed by the Narendra Modi government at the Centre, primarily because of its implications for Muslim personal law.

Pratibha Singh also added that she was unaware of the legislation. "I only found out today that this Bill was passed in the Vidhan Sabha."

Himachal is a Hindu-majority state, accounting for 95.17% of the total population. Muslims, who number around 1.50 lakh, account for 2.18% of the total. Other minority groups are similarly small in number, including Sikhs (1.16%), Buddhists (1.15%), and Christians (0.18%).

What next?

First, the Bill will be sent to Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla for his consent. According to sources, no problems are expected because the legislation aligns with a Central proposal. 

A top official from the Himachal Pradesh Social Justice and Empowerment Department stated, "There will be necessary changes in personal laws. However, changes in Muslim law may result in significant legal complications."

Because the Himachal Bill conflicts with the Central legislation on the matter, it will also need the President's approval.

Why are the legal marriage ages for men and women different?

There is no legal basis for having different legal age criteria for men and women to marry. According to a Law Commission consultation paper, having different legal norms "contributes to the stereotype that wives must be younger than their husbands".

- With inputs from agencies

Join Whatsapp Channel