Repudiation of Marriage

Under Muslim law, you can seek repudiation or termination if you were married before the age of 15. This right is called Khayar-ul-Bulugh or the “Option of Puberty”, which allows you to reject a marriage that was arranged for you during your minority by your father or guardian.

Age is broadly understood in three stages:

• Saghir: A child below 7 years of age.
• Minor between 7 years and puberty: During this stage, a marriage may be arranged by a lawful guardian (wali), such as the father, grandfather, brother, uncle, or, in some cases, the mother.
• Bulugh (Puberty): Puberty is generally presumed at 15 years of age unless proved otherwise. After attaining puberty, a person is considered capable of consenting to marriage independently.

You can seek to repudiate or terminate if:

• You were married before turning 15 years old; or
• You reject the marriage before turning 18 years old; or
• The marriage was not consummated after puberty with your free consent.

Courts have also recognised that a woman may not always immediately know about her right under Khayar-ul-Bulugh and have allowed women to exercise this right after they become aware of it.