• Discuss the legal impact of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly’s bill to raise the minimum marriage age for women to 21 years on existing personal laws. 
• Discuss the social impact of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly’s bill to raise the minimum marriage age for women to 21 years on existing personal laws. 

2. Reduces Child Marriage: Raising the marriage age to 21 helps to prevent child marriages, ensuring that women have the opportunity to complete their education and become economically independent.

For instance: According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), states with stricter marriage laws have seen reduced rates of child marriage.

3. Harmonization with National Laws: The bill aligns with national efforts such as the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, creating uniformity in legal standards across India.

For instance: This move complements the recommendations of the Task Force on Marriage Age for Women set up by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

4. Protects Women’s Rights: Raising the age of marriage is consistent with international human rights standards and helps protect young women from early pregnancy and health risks.

For instance: The WHO emphasises delaying marriage as crucial for reducing maternal mortality and improving women’s health outcomes.

5. Legal Precedent for Reforms: Setting the marriage age at 21 could serve as a legal precedent for other states and potentially influence national policy.

2. Legal Complexity and Enforcement: The bill introduces legal complexities for enforcement, as the age of marriage is a criterion under different personal laws, creating confusion and potential legal challenges.

3. Constitutional Challenges: The bill could face constitutional challenges on grounds of religious freedom and personal autonomy, especially if viewed as infringing on personal law rights.

For instance: Previous attempts to standardise marriage age across religions have been contested in courts, citing violations of Articles 25 and 26.

4. Potential for Legal Loopholes: The bill might create legal loopholes where parties could bypass state laws by marrying under personal laws or in other jurisdictions.

5. Resistance from Communities: The bill could face resistance from communities who view it as an imposition on cultural practices and traditions.

For instance: States with higher marriage ages have shown improved female literacy rates and employment opportunities.

2. Reduces Health Risks: By delaying marriage, women are less likely to experience early pregnancies, reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.

For example: The NFHS-5 data shows a correlation between higher marriage age and lower rates of maternal and infant mortality in states like Kerala.

3. Enhances Social Awareness: The bill encourages awareness about the importance of education and women’s rights, promoting a progressive outlook in society.

For instance: Public awareness campaigns like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao have been instrumental in shifting societal attitudes toward the education and empowerment of girls.

4. Supports Social Reforms: Raising the marriage age aligns with broader social reforms aimed at reducing gender inequality and promoting women’s autonomy.

For instance: Legislative reforms like the Domestic Violence Act, 2005 aim to protect women’s rights, similar to the objectives of this bill.

5. Promotes Long-Term Development: Delaying marriage can lead to more informed decision-making regarding life partners, contributing to stable families and societal progress.

For instance: In regions where social norms strongly favour early marriage, communities might resist formal registration under the new law.

2. Societal Backlash: The law may face resistance in conservative societies where early marriage is customary, leading to potential social backlash and community unrest.

For instance: In certain rural areas, traditional practices may conflict with the new legal framework, causing societal friction.

3. Increase in Covert Practices: There is a risk of covert practices, such as falsifying ages or arranging marriages in secrecy, to circumvent the new age restrictions.

4. Strain on Family Dynamics: Changing the marriage age may put a strain on traditional family dynamics and expectations, leading to intergenerational conflicts.

For instance: Families accustomed to early marriages may struggle with adapting to new norms, causing disputes and misunderstandings within the community.

5. Potential Disruption of Social Norms: Sudden changes in legal marriage age may disrupt existing social norms, causing confusion and discontent among certain demographics.