Karnataka Cabinet Enacts Law Banning Child Engagements to Combat Marriages

The Karnataka cabinet has approved a significant piece of legislation that makes child engagements illegal, a move aimed at addressing the rising incidence of child marriages in the state. The new law, titled the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to strengthen protections for minors and ensure they are not subjected to early marriage planning.

Key Provisions of the New Law

The newly approved Bill goes beyond simply prohibiting child marriages; it explicitly makes it illegal to engage minors to be married in the future. This means that any attempts to arrange a marriage for a boy or girl under the legal age could result in serious legal consequences.

The legislation includes specific provisions that outline the punishments for those involved in arranging child engagements or marriages. Under the new Section 9A, individuals attempting to facilitate a child marriage or engagement can face penalties including:

– Imprisonment for up to two years
– A fine of up to ₹1 lakh
– A combination of both imprisonment and fines

Additionally, Section 12A states that any engagement of a minor will be considered null and void, meaning it will not hold legal validity. Courts will also have the authority to intervene before an engagement takes place. Under Section 13A, if a judge receives credible information that a child is about to be engaged, they can issue an injunction to prevent the engagement from occurring. This injunction can be directed at any parties involved, including family members and event organizers.

The law has also been amended to hold accountable those who assist in the preparation of child marriages, not just those who perform or attend the ceremonies.

Addressing the Child Marriage Crisis

The urgency of this legislation follows alarming statistics, with nearly 700 child marriages reported in Karnataka between 2023 and 2024. This figure highlights the ongoing challenge the state faces in protecting children from early marriages. In response to this crisis, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah convened a high-level meeting with Deputy Commissioners and Chief Executive Officers of Zilla Panchayats to emphasize the need for robust action against child marriages.

HK Patil, the Law Minister, expressed the significance of the new Bill, stating, “Not just child marriage, but even betrothing minors is not acceptable.” He noted that previous legislation allowed many individuals to evade consequences, but the new law aims to create accountability.

The enactment of this Bill is a crucial step towards safeguarding the rights of children, particularly girls, who are often disproportionately affected by the practice of early marriage. By criminalizing the engagement of minors, the Karnataka government sends a clear message that children must be allowed to grow, learn, and make their own choices regarding their futures when they reach adulthood.

This legal reform reflects a commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and enhancing the prospects for children across Karnataka.