Jayasree Mariappan, BBA LLB (Hons), Saveetha School of Law, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai
G. Tejaswini, BBA LLB (Hons), Saveetha School of Law, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chenna
ABSTRACT
Child marriage remains a widespread issue in India, where a third of the world's child brides reside. Roughly half of Indian women are married before turning 18, a violation of child rights with severe negative effects on physical growth, health, education, and emotional development. This practice is more common among girls from impoverished families, lower education levels, and marginalised castes. Globally, over a third of women aged 20-24 are wed before 18, and around 14 million adolescent girls aged 15-19 give birth each year due to child marriage. This tradition is prevalent in various regions across Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South America. While advocacy for human rights, especially women's and children's rights, has led to some decline in child marriage, it remains deeply entrenched due to cultural, socioeconomic, and religious factors. These factors are intertwined, trapping children in early marriages. This study aims to investigate the causes and consequences of child marriage in India using an empirical approach. The research involved random sampling of 200 participants in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The study's dependent variables include the reasons and outcomes of child marriage, government initiatives to prevent it, and its prevalence in Indian society. The independent variables are age, gender, and educational qualification. The research tools encompass both simple and complex bar charts. Findings reveal that girls married under 18 face higher risks of pregnancy complications, STIs, and social and educational setbacks. Despite legislative efforts such as the Child Marriage Restraint Act (1929) and the more progressive Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006), child marriage persists due to societal acceptance. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is needed to address this issue and elevate girls' status. Initiatives like 'Apni Beti Apna Dhan' encourage families to delay marriages through incentives.
Keywords: Apni Beti Apna Dhan, Child marriage, Causes and consequences, Poverty, Socioeconomic and religion.
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