Public Opinion on Increasing the Legal Marriage Age of Women in India with respect to Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021: A Survey Analysis

This survey looks at two important ideas about marriage laws in India. The first idea suggests that raising the legal marriage age for women from 18 to 21 will help promote gender equality in society. By aligning the marriage age for women with that of men, women would have more time to pursue education, careers, and personal development, potentially reducing the gap between men and women. The second idea focuses on the challenges of making this change happen. It argues that deeply rooted cultural beliefs and traditional practices around marriage create resistance to enforcing laws like Prohibition of Child Marriage Amendment Bill 2021, which aims to prevent early marriages. Even though the law exists, social norms in many parts of India make it hard to implement, especially in rural and conservative areas. The survey aims to assess the validity of these hypotheses, shedding light on the legal and cultural challenges surrounding marriage reforms. These findings are essential in informing future policies that not only promote gender equality but also address the cultural resistance that impedes the successful implementation of marriage laws in India.