Himachal Assembly passes bill raising marriage age for women to 21 years

Tabling the bill, minister says it has become necessary to increase the minimum age of marriage for girls in order to provide gender equality and opportunities of obtaining higher education

Himachal Pradesh Assembly, marriage age for women, Prohibition of Child Marriage Amendment Bill

Earlier, in June this year, a central bill that aimed to bring uniformity in the age of marriage for men and women lapsed with the dissolution of the 17th Lok Sabha. (Representational Image/Express Archives)

The Himachal Pradesh Assembly Tuesday passed a bill raising the marriage age for women from 18 to 21 years. The House passed the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Himachal Pradesh Amendment Bill 2024) by voice vote on the first day of the two-week monsoon session.

The bill, seeking to raise the marriageable age of woman, was introduced by Health, Social Justice, and Empowerment Minister Dhani Ram Shandil. Although it was introduced in the Vidhan Sabha during the budget session in February, it could not be passed at that time.

The bill will now be sent to Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla for assent. If approved by the Governor, Himachal Pradesh will be among the first states to enact this significant legislation.

Tabling the bill in the House, Shandil said that Child Marriage Act 2006 was enacted to prohibit child marriages but it has become necessary to increase the minimum age of marriage for girls in order to provide gender equality and opportunities of obtaining higher education.

He said early marriage hinders girls’ education and ability to progress in life. Early pregnancy and motherhood also negatively impacts their health, the minister while proposing to amend the Child Marriage Act 2006 and related acts in the state and increase the minimum age of marriage for girls to 21 years.

Also Read | Raising legal age of marriage for women: the law, the reasons and the criticism

Earlier, in June this year, a central bill that aimed to bring uniformity in the age of marriage for men and women lapsed with the dissolution of the 17th Lok Sabha.

The Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021 — to increase the minimum age of marriage of females to 21 years — was introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2021 and was referred to the standing committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports. The standing committee received multiple extensions over a period of time.

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The Bill would have overridden any other law, custom, or practice. Under the 2006 Act, a person married below the minimum age may apply for annulment within two years of attaining majority (i.e., before 20 years of age). The 2021 Bill increased this to five years (i.e., 23 years of age).

The 17 Lok Sabha was dissolved after the members of the 18th Lok Sabha were elected in the general elections

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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