Legal Marriage Age Checker for India
Verify if you meet the minimum legal age requirement to get married under Indian law
Note: This calculator checks compliance with the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. Always verify with local authorities for state-specific requirements.
Understanding Legal Marriage Age in India
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 is the primary law governing minimum marriage age in India. This Act replaced the earlier Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 (Sarda Act) and applies uniformly across all Indian citizens, regardless of religion, caste, or state of residence.
Current Legal Requirements
- Men: Must be at least 21 years old
- Women: Must be at least 18 years old
- Applies to: All religions and communities in India
- Exceptions: None - the law is absolute
Why Does India Have Minimum Marriage Age Laws?
India's marriage age laws exist to protect children from the harmful physical, psychological, and social consequences of early marriage. Child marriage has been linked to:
- Health Risks: Early pregnancy and childbirth complications for young mothers
- Educational Loss: Termination of schooling, especially for girls
- Economic Impacts: Limited career opportunities and financial dependence
- Social Issues: Domestic violence, exploitation, and lack of agency
- Psychological Harm: Trauma, mental health issues,and loss of childhood
By setting 18 and 21 as minimum ages, the law aims to ensure that individuals enter marriage with sufficient physical maturity, education, and decision-making capacity.
Legal Framework: Key Acts and Provisions
1. Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006
This is the primary law that defines child marriage and prescribes penalties.
Key Provisions:
- Section 2(a): Defines "child" as a person who, if male, has not completed 21 years, and if female, has not completed 18 years
- Section 3: Child marriages are voidable at the option of the contracting party who was a child
- Section 9: Penalties for male adult marrying a child (up to 2 years imprisonment)
- Section 10: Penalties for solemnizing child marriage (up to 2 years + fine up to ₹1 lakh)
- Section 11: Penalties for promoting or permitting child marriage
2. Hindu Marriage Act, 1955
Applies to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs. Section 5(iii) states that at the time of marriage, the bridegroom must have completed 21 years and the bride must have completed 18 years. While this Act predates the 2006 Act, both work in conjunction.
3. Special Marriage Act, 1954
This secular law (for inter-faith or civil marriages) also requires the same minimum ages: 21 for men and 18 for women (Section 4(c)).
4. Other Personal Laws
Muslim personal law, Christian marriage laws (Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872), and Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936 all must comply with the minimum ages set by the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
Consequences of Violating Marriage Age Laws
⚠️ Legal Penalties
Child marriage is a punishable offense under Indian law. The following can face legal consequences:
- Male adult contracting party: Up to 2 years rigorous imprisonment + fine
- Person performing/conducting/directing the ceremony: Up to 2 years + fine up to ₹1 lakh
- Parents/guardians promoting the marriage: Up to 2 years + fine up to ₹1 lakh
- Those abetting child marriage: Imprisonment and fines
Marriage Status
A child marriage is not automatically void (null), but it is voidable. This means:
- The marriage exists until annulled by a court
- The party who was a child at marriage can file a petition to declare it void
- The petition can be filed up to 2 years after attaining majority (i.e., by age 20 for women, 23 for men)
- If forced into marriage, the petition can be filed anytime
Social and Personal Consequences
Beyond legal penalties, child marriage leads to:
- Disruption of education and career prospects
- Health complications from early pregnancy
- Higher risk of domestic violence and exploitation
- Social stigma and legal complications
- Limited decision-making autonomy
How to Use This Calculator
Our Legal Marriage Age Checker is designed to help you quickly verify legal eligibility:
- Enter your date of birth: Use the date picker to select your birth date
- Select your gender: Choose Male or Female (legal requirements differ)
- Click "Check Eligibility": Instantly see if you meet the legal age requirement
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This calculator is for informational purposes only. While we ensure accuracy, marriage laws can change. Always verify your eligibility with local marriage registration authorities or consult a family law attorney before proceeding with marriage plans.
After Confirming Legal Age: Next Steps
If you've confirmed you meet the legal age requirement, here are your next steps:
1. Choose Marriage Act
Decide whether to register under Hindu Marriage Act, Special Marriage Act, or your community's personal law based on your religion and preferences.
2. Gather Documents
Collect age proof (birth certificate, school certificate), identity proof, address proof, and photographs. Requirements vary by state.
3. State Registration
Marriage registration is mandatory in most states. Check your state's specific requirements, fees (usually ₹100-₹500), and process timeline.
4. Plan Your Wedding
Use our budget calculator, guest list planner, and auspicious date finder to plan your perfect Indian wedding celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal minimum age for marriage in India?
Under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, the minimum legal age for marriage in India is 21 years for men and 18 years for women. This applies across all religions and states in India.
Can I get married before turning 18 (for women) or 21 (for men)?
No. Marrying below the legal minimum age is a criminal offense under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. The marriage can be declared void, and those who solemnize, promote, or permit child marriages can face imprisonment and fines.
Do different marriage laws in India have different age requirements?
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 sets a uniform minimum age (21 for men, 18 for women) that supersedes all personal marriage laws including the Hindu Marriage Act, Special Marriage Act, and others. All marriages in India must comply with this minimum age.
What happens if I get married below the legal age?
Child marriages are voidable at the option of the minor party and can be annulled. The person who performs the marriage ceremony, parents/guardians who permit it, and anyone who promotes child marriage can face up to 2 years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.
Is there any exception to the minimum marriage age in India?
No. There are no exceptions. The law applies uniformly across all religions, castes, and communities. Customs or traditions allowing child marriage have no legal validity and are punishable offenses.
Has the legal marriage age changed recently?
As of 2024, the minimum age remains 21 for men and 18 for women. However, there have been proposals to make the minimum age 21 for both genders. Always check current laws before planning your marriage.
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