Early Versus Late Marriages

Pros and cons of a delicate situation.

- Rungeen Singh

Before the Sharda Act had been passed it was normal for people to get married even when they had not reached their teens. But the legislation brought the marriageable age to 21 years for boys and 18 for girls.

In December 2021, the Central government took a major step and revised the Minimum Marital Age Act. According to the bill, the new minimum marital age for women has been increased from 18 to 21 years. This law shall apply to all personal laws and all women regardless of their religion.

There are many reasons for the government to increase the marital age of women, one of them being that, at present, many girls are forced to leave their studies get married. The minimum legal age required for this gives them time for their studies and opportunities to pursue higher education.

Another main reason is that pregnancies in teenage girls increase the chances of high blood pressure, anaemia, and many other health problems in the mother, and can also lead to serious pregnancy complications that can lead to the death of the mother.

A New York University study found that educated mothers help their children succeed in school, not only by expanding their academic knowledge but by modelling behaviours and social interactions that lead to academic success.

Many famous couples are proof that there is no ideal age to get married. You should do it when you are ready for it.

If marriage is acceptable at the age of 21, then marriage at the age of 40 is also acceptable. Recently, Bollywood couple Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal got married and Katrina is older than Vicky in age but as it is said age is just a number.

Mature people these days are more confident and know their mind quickly. They are sure about who and what type they want as a life partner.