Bombay HC Asks Maharashtra Govt To List Steps Taken To Prevent Child Marriages

The Bombay High Court today asked the Maharashtra government to file an affidavit detailing what steps it has taken towards preventing the solemnisation of child marriages in the state.

A Division Bench of Justice Amjad Sayed and Justice Abhay Ahuja noted that there are hardly any cases registered in the state related to child marriage offences.

The Bench was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) that raised issues related to child marriages in Maharashtra and non-implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCA).

The Act prohibits solemnisation of marriage of a boy who is less than 21 years of age and a girl who is less than 18 years old.

"As per the petition, the Rules to be framed under the Act is still in the pipeline. The state government shall file its affidavit. In the affidavit, the government shall say what steps it has taken on the issue," the Court said.

"It appears that there are hardly any cases registered (under the Act)," Justice Sayed said.

The court will hear the plea further on June 13.

With PTI inputs