Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill, 2024

On 27th August, 2024, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly approved a Bill raising the minimum marriageable age for women from 18 to 21 years.

The Prohibition of Child Marriage (Himachal Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to promote gender equality and encourage higher education among women by aligning the marriageable age for both genders.

The Bill amends the 2006 Act, redefining a "child" as any male or female under the age of 21, removing the previous gender-based distinction.
It extends the time period for annulment petitions from two to five years after reaching the new majority age of 21.
A new Section 18A ensures the new age requirement supersedes any conflicting state or religious laws.
Due to potential conflicts with the central law, the Bill may require the President's assent to override the existing 2006 Act within the state.