The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 is a legal framework that seeks to prevent child marriages and protect the rights of children. It defines a child as any person who is below the age of 18 years for girls and 21 years for boys, and makes it illegal for any person to marry a child or for a child to be married. The Act imposes penalties on those who perform, promote, or participate in child marriages and provides for the annulment of child marriages. It also provides for the establishment of special courts to try offences under the Act and for the appointment of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers to prevent child marriages and protect the rights of children.