Vidhi Codex

Bare Act

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006

Civil200622 sections

This Act prohibits child marriage, meaning the marriage of a girl under 18 or a boy under 21. A child marriage is voidable at the option of the party who was a child, who can apply to court to annul it, and it is void in cases such as trafficking or force. The court can order maintenance and residence for the girl and custody and maintenance of children, who remain legitimate. Marrying a child, and performing, promoting or allowing a child marriage, is punishable with up to two years' imprisonment and a fine of up to one lakh rupees. Offences are cognizable and non-bailable, and Child Marriage Prohibition Officers work to prevent such marriages.

Start reading →Read full ActSections
  1. 1. Short title, extent and commencement
  2. 2. Provided that nothing contained in this Act shall apply to the Renoncants of the Union territory of Pondicherry.
  3. 3. Child marriages to be voidable at the option of contracting party being a child
  4. 4. Provision for maintenance and residence to female contracting party to child marriage
  5. 5. Custody and maintenance of children of child marriages
  6. 6. Legitimacy of children born of child marriages
  7. 7. Power of district court to modify orders issued under section 4 or section 5
  8. 8. Court to which petition should be made
  9. 9. Punishment for male adult marrying a child
  10. 10. Punishment for solemnising a child marriage
  11. 11. Punishment for promoting or permitting solemnisation of child marriages
  12. 12. Marriage of a minor child to be void in certain circumstances
  13. 13. Power of court to issue injunction prohibiting child marriages
  14. 14. Provided that no woman shall be punishable with imprisonment.
  15. 15. Offences to be cognizable and non-bailable
  16. 15A. Police Officer to take cognizance of an offence suo-motto
  17. 16. Child Marriage Prohibition Officers
  18. 17. Child Marriage Prohibition Officers to be public servants
  19. 18. Protection of action taken in good faith
  20. 19. Power of State Government to make rules
  21. 20. Amendment of Act No. 25 of 1955
  22. 21. Repeal and savings

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