Strict Law Targets Parents And Nikah Registrars Over Underage Marriages

According to the bill, marriage of a boy or girl under the age of 18 will be completely prohibited in the province, and it will be mandatory for both individuals to be at least 18 years old at the time of marriage.

The bill states that child marriage will now be considered a serious criminal offense, and legal (criminal) proceedings will be initiated against it. It also places child marriage in the category of crimes similar to sexual abuse.

Under the law, anyone who marries a minor could face up to 3 years in prison and a fine of up to Rs500,000.

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If a minor is taken outside Punjab for the purpose of marriage, the punishment will be more severe - up to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to Rs1 million.

The bill also holds parents, guardians, marriage registrars, and officiants accountable. Guardians may face up to 2 years in prison and a fine of Rs500,000, while marriage registrars or officiants could receive at least 1 year in prison and a fine of Rs100,000.

After approval by the Punjab Assembly, the bill will become law once it is signed by the Governor of Punjab, after which the old Child Marriage Act of 1929 will be considered repealed.

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