Punjab enforces historic ban on child marriage, setting 18 as minimum age for both boys and girls
The Punjab government has enacted a landmark law prohibiting child marriages across the province, with strict punishments for offenders. The Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026, issued by the Governor and published in an extraordinary gazette notification, came into immediate effect.
The law defines anyone under 18 as a child and prohibits marriage involving minors. Adults who marry children face rigorous imprisonment from two to three years and fines up to Rs500,000. Nikah registrars who register underage marriages risk one year in prison and fines up to Rs100,000. Guardians or facilitators of child marriages face similar penalties.
Protection Against Child Abuse and Trafficking
The ordinance addresses child abuse linked to marriages, treating any cohabitation with a minor as abuse. Those coercing, grooming, or forcing a child into marriage may face five to seven years in prison and fines of at least Rs1 million. Cases involving child trafficking for marriage carry punishments of up to seven years.
Swift Legal Enforcement
Sessions Courts have exclusive jurisdiction and must conclude proceedings within 90 days. Courts may issue injunctions to prevent imminent child marriages, with disobedience punishable by additional imprisonment and fines. All offences are cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable. The ordinance repeals the 1929 Child Marriage Restraint Act, modernizing child protection laws and ensuring equal marriage age for both genders.
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