Supreme Court Declares Prohibition of Child Marriage Act Prevails Over Personal Laws
NEW DELHI: In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court stated on Friday that the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) cannot be undermined by traditions rooted in personal laws. The court emphasized that marriages involving minors infringe upon the fundamental right to choose one’s life partner, highlighting the need for robust protection against child marriage.
A bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, alongside Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, issued a series of guidelines aimed at ensuring the effective enforcement of the PCMA across the country. While the court acknowledged that the question of whether the PCMA should take precedence over personal laws is currently under deliberation in Parliament, it reiterated the importance of prioritizing the protection of children from early marriages.
The Centre had urged the Supreme Court to affirm that the PCMA should supersede personal laws, emphasizing the urgent need for legislative clarity in safeguarding children’s rights. The court’s ruling reinforces the commitment to combat child marriage and protect the autonomy and well-being of minors in India.
(With inputs from agency)
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