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There were 50% more child marriages reported in 2021 in comparison to 2020.

Marriage of Children

Last updated on Apr 8, 2022

A child marriage is a marriage between the parties where: 

  • Both people marrying are minors, or 
  • One of them is a child/minor. 

 

For a woman, age of marriage is 18 years.  

For a man, age of marriage is 21 years.

 

Under Muslim personal law, the age of marriage is puberty (15 years of age).  So, if you are below 18 years/21 years respectively and you get married, your marriage is not illegal.  However, you can choose to cancel the marriage under the child marriage law.

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