Maharashtra Proposes Mandatory Birth Date Proof for Marriage Registration
The Maharashtra government is considering a significant regulatory change aimed at curbing child marriages across the state. A new rule under discussion would require couples to provide official proof of their birth dates at the time of marriage registration. This measure is designed to ensure that both individuals have attained the legal minimum age for marriage, which is 18 years for women and 21 years for men under Indian law.
The proposal comes in response to persistent reports of underage marriages, particularly in rural and tribal areas of the state. According to data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-2021), Maharashtra has a child marriage prevalence rate of 14.5% among women aged 20-24 who were married before age 18. The state government aims to bring this number down through stricter enforcement.
Details of the Proposed Rule
Under the proposed rule, couples would be required to submit a birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or other government-issued document confirming their date of birth at the time of marriage registration. If such documents are unavailable, the couple may need to obtain a certificate from the local municipal corporation or gram panchayat. The rule is expected to apply to all marriages registered under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, and the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.
“We are examining the feasibility of making birth date proof mandatory for marriage registration. This will act as a strong deterrent against child marriages,” a senior official from the Maharashtra Women and Child Development Department told India TV. The official added that the department is also considering linking the marriage registration database with the state’s birth and death registry to cross-verify ages.
Impact and Enforcement Challenges
The proposed rule is part of a broader crackdown on child marriages, which are often driven by poverty, social customs, and lack of awareness. The Maharashtra government has also been conducting awareness campaigns in high-risk districts such as Nandurbar, Jalna, and Beed. However, enforcement remains a challenge, as many marriages in rural areas are performed without formal registration.
According to the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, over 2,000 cases of child marriage were reported in the state between 2020 and 2024, though the actual number is believed to be significantly higher. The commission has welcomed the proposed rule, stating that it will help in early detection and prevention. “This is a proactive step. It will ensure that no marriage is registered without verifying the age of the bride and groom,” said a commission member.
Legal Framework and Punishment
Child marriage is prohibited under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, which prescribes punishment of up to two years of imprisonment and/or a fine for those who perform, conduct, or abet such marriages. The Maharashtra government is also considering stricter penalties for parents and priests who facilitate underage unions. The new rule would complement existing laws by making it harder to bypass age verification at the registration stage.
The proposal is currently in the consultation phase, with inputs being sought from district administrations, civil society organizations, and legal experts. A final decision is expected within the next few months. If approved, Maharashtra will become one of the first states in India to mandate birth date proof for marriage registration, setting a precedent for others to follow.
