The Supreme Court in the case Society for Enlightenment and Voluntary Action And Anr. v. UoI And Ors observed and has directed the Ministry of Women and Child Development for filing of a status report of the steps to be taken by the union Government in order to implement the provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2016.
The bench comprising of CJI DY Chandrachud, Justice PS Narasimha, and Justice JB Pardiwala was hearing the present plea.
In the case, the counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted before the court that the issue of child marriage still continued to persist. Further, it has also been submitted by the counsel, Additional Solicitor General of India Senior Advocate Madhavi Divan appearing before the court that there being a bill which is pending since the year 2021 as per bill the age of women to get married was to be raised to 21 years. It has also been submitted by her that the same was pending before the Standing Committee.
However, the bench in the case also noted that this bill still would not address the issue for the implementation of Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2016.
The bench in the case observed and has directed that the Ministry of Women and Child Development to file an updated status report specifically elucidating the following
1. The data being collected from various states bearing on the nature and for extending of child marriages;
2. Steps needs to be taken for implementing the provisions of the Prohibition of Child marriage Act 2006;
3. The policy formulated by the Union government for effectuating the purpose of the Act.
The bench in the case observed and has also stated that the Union of India should also engage with the State governments in order to apprise the said court on the compliance of the provision as it is being stated under Section 16(3) for the appointment of the child marriage Prohibition officer. The bench stated that the affidavit filed should also clear whether the officer so appointed or given other multifarious duties.
Accordingly, the court listed the matter to be next heard on July, 2023.
