Child Marriage In India

Author: Jaya SagadePublisher: Oxford University PressYear: 2005Language: EnglishPages: 257ISBN/UPC (if available): 978-0-19-566890-2 DescriptionDespite the existence, since 1929, of legislation banning it, child marriage continues to be a social reality today. This book provides a thought-provoking analysis of the reasons why such marriages, which effectively deprive children of their childhood, in particular the girl child, are allowed to take place. It shows that a disproportionate number of girls are married off in childhood, as compared to boys. It goes on to establish that child marriage has a devastating effect on the health and overall development of the girl child. Jaya Sagade provides a powerful critique of the state of Indian law--the lacunae, confusions, contradictions, and lack of gender sensitivity inherent in the provisions of various statutes which deal with the age of marriage, of consent, and the validity of marriage. Using the methodology of feminist legal analysis, t