Kerala HC Enforces Prohibition of Child Marriage Act Irrespective of Religion

The Kerala High Court has ruled that the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, applies to all citizens regardless of religion. The court highlighted the detrimental effects of child marriage on education, health, and social wellbeing, urging society and media to raise awareness and help eradicate the practice.

The Kerala High Court has declared the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, applicable to every citizen, irrespective of their religion, emphasizing that every Indian is first a citizen, then a member of a religion.

In a recent order relating to a 2012 case from Palakkad, Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan said the Act applies to all, whether they are Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Parsi, or of any other faith. The case involved a petition to quash a complaint filed against a child marriage.

The court underscored the severe repercussions of child marriage, including denied education, health risks like infant mortality, and increased domestic violence. It urged the media to play a pivotal role in raising awareness. Despite religious arguments, the court insisted the Act is paramount, aiming to end child marriage by prioritizing citizenship over religious norms.

(With inputs from agencies.)