The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act: Your Power-Up Guide for 2025

Hey there! This article is for you, the teenagers and young adults shaping India’s future. Imagine your life is a book, and you deserve to choose how every chapter unfolds. But child marriage tries to grab that pen, stealing your choices, your education, and your childhood dreams. It’s absolutely heartbreaking, right?

That’s why the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (PCMA) is so important. Think of it as your legal superpower. It’s the law that fights to keep you safe and gives you the power to say NO to marrying too young. In this guide, we’ll break down this law, show you what’s new in 2025, and tell you exactly how you can use it.

What the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act Really Does

The old law about child marriage was weak. This new one the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act is strong! It doesn’t just ask people to stop; it prohibits child marriage and makes it a crime with serious punishments.

Know the Legal Ages

The PCMA makes the rules very clear. A marriage is a child marriage and is illegal if:

The girl is under 18 years old.
The boy is under 21 years old.

The whole point of the prohibition of child marriage act is simple: you must be mature enough physically and mentally to make a massive, lifelong decision like marriage.

Your Legal Weapons (Key Sections Made Simple)

The law gives you the power to fight back. Here are the most useful parts:

Section 3 (It’s “Voidable”): Generally, a child marriage is voidable. This means the marriage is valid until the minor decides to cancel it. You, the minor who was married, can go to court and get the marriage officially cancelled (called annulment) up to two years after you turn 18 (so, before you turn 20). This puts the power back in your hands.
Section 12 (Sometimes It’s “Void”): If you were forced, trafficked, or kidnapped for marriage, the law says the marriage is automatically void. It never legally happened.
Section 9-11 (Punishment): The law slaps big punishments (up to 2 years in jail and/or a ₹1 lakh fine) on the adult male who marries a child, and on parents, priests, or anyone else who promotes or performs the wedding.
Section 13 (Stop it NOW!): If a child marriage is about to happen, you, a friend, or an officer can ask a magistrate (a type of judge) to issue an injunction a quick court order to stop the wedding immediately.

Latest Power-Ups: BNS and the Supreme Court (2025)

The laws get stronger all the time. The fight to enforce the prohibition of child marriage act just got a major boost.

The New Criminal Code (BNS)

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is the new criminal law in India. It doesn’t change the PCMA, but it makes the punishments for related crimes much harder.

Marital Rape is a Crime: The BNS makes it clear that if a minor girl is sexually active in a child marriage, it is still treated as a form of rape. This means the law offers absolutely no protection to the adult male who marries a child, which is a massive step forward for the prevention of child marriage act.

The Supreme Court’s Big Decision (October 2024)

In 2024, the Supreme Court of India gave a huge shout-out to the PCMA. It confirmed that the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, is the supreme law.

This means no religious rule, no personal law, and no custom can be used as an excuse to conduct a child marriage. The Court stressed that the PCMA is for everyone in India, and it always wins over tradition when a child’s rights are involved.

What You Can Do: Your Playbook for Action

If you or someone you know is facing a child marriage, remember you have the law on your side. You are not alone!

If You are Pressured:

Scream for Help (Safely): Your first call should be Childline at 1098. It’s free, works 24/7, and you can stay anonymous. You can also contact the local police or the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer (CMPO).
Stop the Wedding: Use the power of the injunction (Section 13). If you can tell the CMPO when and where the wedding is, they can get a court order to stop it. This is the fastest way to use the prevention of child marriage act.
Annulment is Possible: If the marriage has already happened, remember it is voidable. Find a lawyer or legal help to file an annulment petition up to age 20. The court will also make sure you get financial help (maintenance) and a safe place to live while you get back on your feet.

If You are a Friend or Community Member:

Report Everything: If you see any signs a friend suddenly dropping out of school, secretive plans, or wedding cards report it to 1098 or use the government’s online portal.
Raise Awareness: Talk to your peers and family about the penalties under the prohibition of child marriage act.Education is the best way to prevent this crime.

FAQs on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act

1. Is child marriage legal in India?

Ans: No. Child marriage is illegal under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.

2. What is the legal age for marriage in India?

Ans: For girls: 18 years, and for boys: 21 years.

3. Is child marriage void or voidable?

Ans: Child marriage is voidable at the option of the minor, not automatically void.

4. What are the penalties for violating the Act?

Ans: Imprisonment up to 2 years and fines up to ₹1 lakh for adults or guardians promoting child marriage.

5. Can a child marriage be stopped before it happens?

Ans: Yes. Authorities like District Magistrates or Child Marriage Prohibition Officers can intervene.

Outlook: Claiming Your Future

Every year, the number of child marriages goes down. This proves the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, is working! As young people, you hold the power to end this completely. By knowing your rights and speaking out, you are not just saving your life or your friend’s life you are building an India where every child gets to be a child and every young person gets to choose their own future. Your future is yours. Claim it!

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The Complete Guide to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2025 in India: The Law, Penalties, and How to Stop It