Ban on child marriage applies to all religions; overrides Muslim personal law: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court has ruled that the ban on child marriage applies universally across all religions, overriding Muslim personal law. This decision mandates that the minimum age for marriage is 18 years for women and 21 years for men, irrespective of religious or personal laws. The court's ruling emphasizes the protection of children’s rights and aims to standardize marriage laws to ensure consistency and safeguard against child marriages, which are often detrimental to the well-being and development of minors. The judgment aligns with national laws and reflects a commitment to upholding human rights and legal uniformity.