A victim of child marriage holds a photograph of the ceremony. For Muslims, the marriageable age under Muslim Personal Law was allowed at “attaining puberty” — which is assumed when the bride or groom turns 15. Child marriage is illegal in India under the provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. Assam educationist Mofidul Hussain warned that if the 21-year marriageable age becomes law, those marrying below that prescribed age become criminals. The child marriage rate has come down to 28 percent in 2016 from 48 percent in 2005," he said.

Source: Ethiopian News December 23, 2021 22:33 UTC