Muslim League Women Urge PM Modi To Not Raise Marriageable Age For Girls

The Indian Union Muslim League’s women's wing has sent a petition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi opposing the move to increase the legal marriageable age of women from 18 to 21. According to them, such a move will lead to promiscuity in society.

The letter, written by P K Noorbeena Rasheed, secretary of the Indian Union Women League (IUWL) which highlights that the move will give way to "live-in relationships" and "illegitimate relations". She argued that many countries have brought down the marriageable age considering the biological and social need and thus India should not hurry up while taking a decision in this matter.

Also Read: 7 Things Women Should Know About Special Marriages Act, 1954

What You Should Know

• Muslim League women urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to raise women's marriageable act.
• They believe raising the age will give rise to live-in relationships and illegitimate relationships.
• “I’ve heard that the Centre found that around 30 per cent of women are getting married before they turn 18. Does raising the age bar in any way prevent such child marriages?” the letter asks.

Also Read: The Decision to Raise Women’s Legal Marriage Age Should be Linked to Education

Noorbeena's letter asks when the country has Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006 what is the need of raising the marriageable age. She further questioned, “I’ve heard that the Centre found that around 30 per cent of women are getting married before they turn 18. Does raising the age bar in any way prevent such child marriages?” According to the women's wing of Indian Union Muslim League, a proper discussion and understanding of the issue should take place before reaching any conclusion regarding the increase of marriageable age for girls.

For clarification, Muslim League sources said the party is yet to reach a conclusion in this matter and the decision of the women's league is independent.

A 10-member task force has been set up under the leadership of Jaya Jaitly to look into the matter of raising the age of marriage for girls from 18 to 21. Finance Minister mentioned about this step for the first time while presenting the budget this year. It was also addressed by PM Narendra Modi in his speech on 15 August.

Also Read: India Reviews Woman’s Legal Marriage Age In India. What Could Be Its Impact?

Sanskriti Tiwari is an intern with SheThePeople.TV.