New Delhi, 25 September
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has written to the Rajasthan Chief Minister’s Office expressing apprehensions over the Registration of Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021, saying it “legalizes” child marriage.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights in its letter has said that Section 8 of the Amendment Bill provides for registration of child marriages through Marriage Registration Officers where they have been residing for more than 30 days.
The commission expressed apprehensions that the enactment of the bill may have a serious impact on the physical, psychological and social condition of minors and their education.
It asked the government to reconsider the bill and review it for the welfare of children in the state and in accordance with the law.
The NCPCR said, “The Bill provides that a parent or guardian may register a marriage between a bride who has not completed 21 years of age and a bride who has not completed 18 years of age within 30 days of marriage.” letter on Friday.
The commission said the bill “legalizes” child marriage in Rajasthan.
The Rajasthan Assembly had last week passed a bill amending the 2009 Act.
The bill has garnered considerable controversy, even raising a public interest litigation on the legality of the said section. — PTI