The Punjab government has created a new law called the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act 2024 to stop people from getting married before they turn 18.
According to the new rule, if someone arranges or helps arrange a marriage where either the bride or groom is under 18, they can be sent to jail for two to three years and also have to pay a fine of up to Rs. 200,000.
People involved in registering marriages of children under 18 will face jail time between two and three years, along with a fine from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 200,000.
If parents or guardians are found to be allowing, supporting, or assisting in the marriage of a minor, they could be jailed for at least two years and up to three years. They will also be fined between Rs. 100,000 and Rs. 200,000.
The draft law states that anyone can report child marriage, including parents, guardians, neighbors, teachers, community members, mosque imams, Nikah registrars, social workers, and friends.
People accused of facilitating child marriage will be prosecuted in courts established under the Family Court Act 1964, as per Section 20.
When registering marriages, the Nikah Khawan, the Secretary of the Union Council, and the Marriage Registrar will have to check documents like a computerized identity card, passport, or educational certificate to confirm that both parties are at least 18 years old.
Copies of identification documents, such as a computerized identity card, passport, or educational certificates, must be certified and submitted with the marriage certificate to confirm the age of the parties. If these documents are not provided or are incorrect, it is considered an offense under Section 6 of the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2024, and can result in penalties.
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The new law also makes it clear that authorities should act quickly on reports of child marriage. Both police and courts are expected to move swiftly to address cases of child marriage, even if the wedding hasn’t taken place yet.
The Family Court has the same powers as a Judicial Magistrate of the First Class under the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898. This means that if someone violates the Child Marriage Restraint Act, police can arrest them with a non-bailable warrant.
People who are found guilty by the Family Courts under this law have the option to appeal their case to the Sessions Courts.