SC seeks Centre's response to plea on uniform age of marriage after Muslim women are being allowed to marry at 15
The NCW said that allowing Muslims to marry at the age of puberty (around 15) "is arbitrary, irrational, discriminatory and violative of penal laws".
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New Delhi, Dec 10: The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre on a petition filed by the National Commission for Women (NCW) to make the minimum age of marriage for Muslim girls the same as that of persons belonging to other religions. This came after Muslim women are being allowed to marry at the age of the puberty i.e. around 15.
A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha sought a response from the Centre within four weeks. The minimum age for marriage in India is currently 18 for women and 21 for men. However, the minimum marriage age for Muslim women is when they attain puberty and 15 years is presumed to be that age.
The NCW said that allowing Muslims to marry at the age of puberty (around 15) "is arbitrary, irrational, discriminatory and violative of penal laws". The plea said even the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) does not "provide for those under 18 to consent to sex".
It said the PIL was filed for enforcement of the fundamental rights of minor Muslim women to bring Islamic personal law in consonance with the penal laws applicable to other religions.
Earlier, the apex court agreed to examine the plea of the National Commission For Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) against an order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court which said a Muslim girl of 15-years-old is competent to enter into a contract of marriage with a person of her choice under the Muslim Personal Law.
Bharati Web
Mes, Pune
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