Punjab is taking a strong step to tackle child marriage. The provincial government is preparing a new ordinance that will make it a crime for anyone over 18 to marry a minor.
The proposed Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance will be presented in the next session of the Punjab Assembly. Under the draft law, anyone over 18 who marries a minor could face a minimum of two years in prison and a fine of up to Rs. 500,000. Parents or guardians who arrange or assist such marriages may face two to three years in prison.
Significantly, the ordinance also treats cohabitation or a conjugal relationship with a minor after marriage as child abuse, punishable by five to seven years in prison and a fine of at least Rs. 1 million. All cases will be tried in sessions courts, which are required to issue verdicts within 90 days.
Nikah registrars will also be prohibited from officiating marriages where either party is underage, facing up to one year in prison and a fine of Rs. 100,000 if they do so.
