Law Commission Says 18 Years Must be Minimum Age of Marriage For Both Men and Women
Notably, the minimum age for marriage at present is 21 years for men and 18 years for women. The report states that the 3-year difference reinforces the stereotype that the wife needs to be younger than the husband.
New Delhi, Aug 31: The Law Commission of India on Friday tabled a white paper on 'Reform of Family Law' which recommends the government to bring down the minimum age of marriage for men and keep it at par with women. 'Uniform Civil Code Not Necessary at This Stage, Secularism Cannot Contradict Plurality'.
The panel has categorically mentioned that the minimum age of marriage for both men and women should be 18 years -- which is also the age which grants them the right to franchise.
The Commission report argues that if adults are considered major enough to select their government, they should also be granted the right to live with their spouse at the same age.
Notably, the minimum age for marriage at present is 21 years for men and 18 years for women. The report states that the 3-year difference reinforces the stereotype that the wife needs to be younger than the husband.
"The difference in age for husband and wife has no basis in law as spouses entering into a marriage are by all means equals and their partnership must also be of that between equals," the white paper said.
The report also calls for necessary amendments to the state and personal laws on divorce, in order to grant equal share to the husband and wife on properties gained after their marriage, irrespective of whether the female spouse financially contributed towards it.
Apart from its intriguing views on marriage and divorce, the Law Commission has also opposed the Uniform Civil Code, asserting that "secularism cannot contradict plurality".
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2018 10:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).