The Child Marriage Restraint Act
This Act attempts to control the aged old practice of child marriage, which was and even today, prevalent in many parts of India. Accordingly a male has to complete 21 years and a female 18 years to legally marry.
The act provides punishments to those who contract a child marriage. If a male between 18 years and 21 years, contracts a child marriage, he may be punishable with imprisonment, which may extend up to 15 days or with fine, which may extend to 1000 rupees or with both. If a male, above 21 years of age, contract a child marriage, he shall be punishable with imprisonment, which may extend up to 3 months and also shall be liable to fine. Whoever performs or conducts any child marriage shall be punishable with imprisonment, which may extend unto 3 months and also shall be liable to fine. Even the parents or guardians, who support child marriage, are liable to be punished as per this act. It is interesting to note that women offenders are not liable for punishment by imprisonment, as per this act.
The courts are also empowered to issue orders of injunction against persons who are going to perform a child marriage, prohibiting such marriages.