Himachal Pradesh Raises Women's Marriage Age to 21

Legislative Details and Process

• The Himachal Pradesh State Assembly passed the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Himachal Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2024 on August 27, 2024.
• The bill was introduced by Women Empowerment Minister Dhani Ram Shandil during the monsoon session.
• It was passed by voice vote and will be sent to Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla for assent.
• If signed into law, Himachal Pradesh will be one of the first states to implement this change.
• The bill amends the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (Act No. 6 of 2007) as applicable to Himachal Pradesh.
• For the bill to become law, it needs approval from both the Governor of Himachal Pradesh and the President of India.

Key Changes in the Law

• The minimum age of marriage for women is increased from 18 to 21 years.
• The new definition of "child" includes anyone under 21 years old, regardless of gender.
• The new age limit of 21 will take priority over conflicting laws, customs, or practices.
• The time allowed to annul a child marriage is extended from two years to five years after reaching adulthood.
• The law aims to supersede other existing laws that may conflict with the new age limit.

Reasons and Objectives for the Amendment

• To support gender equality and provide greater educational opportunities for women.
• To address the negative impacts of early marriages on girls' education and development.
• To mitigate health risks associated with early pregnancies.
• To allow both young men and women more time for personal and professional growth before marriage.
• To transform society and set a precedent for other states to follow.
• The amendment is seen as part of a larger effort to combat child marriage and support women's rights in the state.

Political Support and Reactions

• The bill received support across party lines in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly.
• Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Social Justice, emphasized the importance of the bill for societal change.
• BJP legislator Reena Kashyap highlighted the necessity of the decision, stating that at 21, youth are mentally and physically mature enough for marriage.
• Anuradha Rana, the youngest legislator and a Congress MLA, expressed satisfaction with the legislation, calling it historic and beneficial for women's careers.