Jaipur (Rajasthan): Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday said that the controversial 'Rajasthan Compulsory Marriage Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2021', which was earlier passed in the Assembly will be looked into and a 'go-ahead' would be given only if deemed necessary. The CM also made it clear that they will not allow child marriages to happen in the state.
"A controversy is on in Rajasthan. A Bill, over the registration of marriages, was passed by Assembly. Supreme Court had ordered that all marriages should be registered so that there doesn't occur any issue later. The Bill was passed in accordance. It caused a controversy that it'll promote child marriages. We have requested the Governor to send us back the law. We'll get it examined & go ahead only if deemed necessary. We're determined to see that no child marriage takes place in Rajasthan. Won't compromise with it," ANI quoted Gehlot saying.
Also read: Row brews over Rajasthan Marriage Registration Amendment Bill
The 'Rajasthan Compulsory Marriage Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2021' had stoked a controversy, with the Commission for Protection of Women and Child Rights raising objections and the Opposition blaming that it would legitimise child marriages.
On September 17, the Rajasthan Assembly had passed the bill by voice vote to amend a 2009 Act. It mandates the marriage between the bridegroom who has not completed 21 years and the bride who has not completed 18 years of age be registered either by the parents or guardians within the 30 days of the marriage.
What is Rajasthan Compulsory Marriage Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2021?
The Compulsory Marriage Registration Act was introduced in Rajasthan in 2009. The Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government had amended this and passed it in the assembly. The bill has reduced the age ceiling of the brides to 18 years from the existing 21 years. It states that if the married couple has not completed the legal age of marriage, then the parent or guardian will have to submit an application within the prescribed period (30 days).
Under the proposed law, if the age of the girl is less than 18 years and the age of the boy is less than 21 years at the time of marriage, then the parents or guardians will have to inform the registration officer within the specified period. Earlier this registration was done at the district level, but now registration of marriage can be done at the block level only.
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