Ahead of the curve

HIMACHAL Pradesh’s move to raise the legal age of marriage for girls from 18 to 21 years through the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Himachal Pradesh Amendment) Bill 2024 has sparked a debate, particularly given the ongoing national discussions on this issue. With the Central Government’s Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill still under review by a parliamentary panel, HP’s law raises questions about the implications of pre-empting the panel’s findings. The panel, tasked with examining the Central Bill that also raised the girls’ age for marriage to 21, is deliberating on the matter. Its report is expected to address various concerns, including cultural sensitivities, socioeconomic factors and the potential impact on women’s rights and personal freedoms. The HP decision to act independently is both progressive and precipitous.

On one hand, the state’s proactive stance highlights its commitment to gender equality and empowerment of young women. By aligning the marriage age of women with that of men, the law aims to provide them equal opportunities for education and personal development, free from the pressures of early marriage. However, this move also risks creating legal and social discrepancies if the parliamentary panel’s report suggests a different approach or additional safeguards. The national legislation, once enacted, would supersede state laws, potentially leading to confusion and the need for amendments. The timing of HP’s law undermines the broader consultative process that the parliamentary panel is engaged in, which seeks to balance diverse perspectives and ensure that the law is inclusive and well-considered.

While the HP law is a bold step, it underscores the importance of awaiting a comprehensive, nationally consistent approach that takes into account the complexities of implementing such a significant change across India’s varied social landscape.