The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has sought a review of the bill to amend the Rajasthan Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act, 2009, passed in the Assembly last week, in view of its likely impact on minor children. The NCPCR said the bill could ‘legitimise’ child marriages.
The Congress government has maintained that the amended provisions will only streamline the registration process for marriages, without changing the status of the nuptial ties of minors. The amendment authorises women above 18 years to submit the memorandum for registration on their own to the competent authority.
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In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister’s Office, NCPCR chairperson Priyank Kanoongo said the bill would have a serious impact on the physical, psychological and social state of minors as well as their education.
Mr. Kanoongo said the State government should reconsider the bill and review its provisions in accordance with the law and welfare of the children.
“The bill states that the marriage between the bridegroom who has not completed 21 years and the bride who has not completed 18 years of age could be registered by the parents or guardians within the 30 days,” he said.
The latest amendment has reduced the age of bride from the earlier 21 years to 18 years in Section 8 of the Act of 2009 for casting the duty on parents to report about the marriage to the Registration Officer. The bill has generated a controversy though the provision for mandatory registration of all marriages, including the child marriages, existed in the Act.
