PIL sough direction to increase the marriage age of the bridegroom from 21-25 yrs
Citing a few cases of violence due to inter-caste marriages and honour killings, Ramesh said that government had failed to protect the aggrieved people. The incidents of kidnapping, suicide and divorces were increasing every year. (Photo: DC/File)
Chennai: The Madras high court dismissed on Thursday, a public interest litigation which sought a direction to authorities to increase the marriage age of the bridegroom from 21 to 25 years and that of the bride from 18 to 21.
Dismissing the PIL from K. K. Ramesh, managing trustee of the TN Centre for PIL, the division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice M Sathyanarayanan said, “We are not inclined to entertain this PIL, for the reason that the issue is a legislative exercise having social ramifications and it is for government to examine it.” Moreover, a division bench of the Madurai bench of this court has already passed orders on September 3, 2014, making suggestions to government to be considered, the bench added.
According to Ramesh, according to the Hindu Marriage Act, the bride should be over 18 years old and the groom should be over 21 years old. But these ages are useful only for purposes of education, and not helpful for a married life. Hence, most marriages at these ages fail. It is the bounden duty of government to enhance the ages of the bride and bridegroom.
Citing a few cases of violence due to inter-caste marriages and honour killings, Ramesh said that government had failed to protect the aggrieved people. The incidents of kidnapping, suicide and divorces were increasing every year.
Therefore, government should pass a law, making parents’ acceptance and appearance at inter- caste marriages mandatory, he added, and increase the age of marriage.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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