File picture/ Prem Singh New Delhi, Oct. 11 (PTI & Reuters): Sex with a minor wife aged between 15 and 18 years is rape and the exception in the rape law for married couples was arbitrary, the Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday. The apex court said the exception in the rape law was contrary to the philosophy of other statutes and violates the bodily integrity of a girl child. It asked the Centre and the states to take proactive steps to prohibit child marriage across the country. Wednesday's verdict would not be applied retrospectively, however, said the court, which based its conclusions on India's Child Marriage Prohibition Act. Though illegal, child marriage is deeply rooted in India.

Source: The Telegraph October 11, 2017 08:48 UTC