Punjab bans child marriage under new law with strict penalties

The Punjab Assembly has passed the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026 with a majority vote, officially making marriage below the age of 18 a cognisable offence.

Under the new legislation, individuals above 18 years of age who are found involved in contracting a marriage with a child will face rigorous imprisonment of up to three years and a fine that may extend to Rs500,000. The law clearly states that such offences will be treated seriously under criminal law.

The bill further introduces strict penalties for parents, guardians, or any individuals who facilitate or fail to prevent child marriages. According to the legislation, anyone who promotes, permits, or negligently allows a child marriage to take place will be liable to imprisonment ranging from two to three years, along with a fine of up to Rs500,000.

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Lawmakers described the legislation as a significant step toward protecting children, particularly girls, from early and forced marriages. Officials emphasized that the law aims to strengthen child protection mechanisms and ensure strict accountability at all levels of society.

Speaking to media, Punjab Child Protection Bureau Chairperson Sara Ahmed welcomed the passage of the bill, calling it a “landmark” decision aligned with the vision of the provincial leadership. She said the law represents an important step toward safeguarding children’s rights and promoting their welfare.

She added that the implementation of the law will be supported through awareness campaigns and enforcement measures to ensure compliance across the province. Authorities are expected to introduce further mechanisms to monitor and prevent violations effectively.

The legislation is being seen as part of broader efforts to improve child protection standards and address long-standing social issues related to early marriages in the province.