Archive · 24 Jul 2025
Karnataka Cabinet Approves Bill Criminalizing Minor Engagements
The government in Karnataka, India, has decided to take serious action against child marriage.
They approved a new law that makes it a crime to even promise a minor in marriage, not just the marriage itself.
This is because many child marriages were happening in the state.
The government hopes this new law will send a clear message and prevent more children from getting married.
The new law will be discussed and voted on soon.
Karnataka cabinet approved a bill to make minor engagements a punishable offense.
The bill is called the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2025.
The bill will be introduced in the upcoming legislature session.
Nearly 700 child marriages were reported in Karnataka during 2023-24.
The decision followed a high-level meeting to prevent child marriages.
- Who
- The Karnataka cabinet, led by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil.
- What
- The Karnataka cabinet approved a bill to make minor engagements a punishable offense.
- When
- The cabinet approved the bill on Thursday and it will be introduced in an upcoming legislative session.
- Where
- Karnataka, India
- Why
- To curb child marriage and send a strong message that child marriage and engagement are unacceptable.
- Bill Name
- Prohibition of Child Marriage (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2025
- Action
- Makes minor engagements a punishable offense
- Approving Body
- Karnataka Cabinet
- Reported Child Marriages (2023-24)
- Approximately 700
- Legislature Session
- Upcoming