Punjab And Haryana HC Upholds Marriage Of Minor Muslim Girls Citing Islamic Sharia Rule, Rules They Are Competent Marry At Age Of 15

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has last week held that a Muslim girl over 15 years of age is competent to enter into a contract of marriage with a person of her choice.

The single bench comprising of Justice Jasjit Singh Bedi passed the order while disposing of a protection plea of a Muslim couple wherein a 21-year-old man and a 16-year-old girl had approached the HC for protection of their life and liberty from family members. The Muslim couple fell in love and married each other as per Muslim rites and ceremonies.

“The law, as laid down in various judgments cited above, is clear that the marriage of a Muslim girl is governed by the Muslim Personal Law. As per Article 195 from the book ‘Principles of Mohammedan Law by Sir Dinshah Fardunji Mulla’, the petitioner No.2 being over 16 years of age was competent to enter into a contract of marriage with a person of her choice”, the single-judge judged said in this judgement.