Peer-reviewed article

CHILD MARRIAGES QUA COMPULSORY REGISTRATION OF MARRIAGES IN RAJASTHAN

Meenakshi Sharma · 31 Aug 2025

Abstract

In Rajasthan, child marriage is still a common practice even after strict legal frameworks were introduced. To stop the practice, the Rajasthan Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act, 2009 was adopted, which requires all marriages—including those involving minors—to be registered. The usefulness of this law in combating child weddings in Rajasthan is examined critically in this essay. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, and the mandatory registration system are examined in relation to one another, with an emphasis on the enforcement gaps and socio-cultural resistance that impede the effectiveness of legal measures. Even while mandatory registration is meant to serve as a deterrent, it frequently encounters difficulties in rural areas where child marriages are encouraged by patriarchal traditions, poverty, and illiteracy. In addition, there exists a discrepancy between local norms and legal measures, resulting in either non-reporting or underreporting of child marriages. The problem is made worse by the administrative inefficiencies involved in enforcing compulsory registration, since local authorities might not have the means or motivation to strictly enforce the rule. The research also explores the possibility that by recognizing minor unions, legal flaws in the registration system could unintentionally legitimate child marriages and make it more difficult to prosecute offenders under the PCMA. This study attempts to provide a comprehensive understanding of the functioning of Rajasthan's mandatory marriage registration, its limits, and its effect on reducing child marriages through an analysis of case studies and accessible data. In order to alter public perceptions about child marriage, the study ends with policy proposals for bolstering enforcement protocols, improving public awareness campaigns, and involving local community leaders. The statement highlights the necessity of adopting a comprehensive strategy that integrates legal modifications with community-based initiatives to guarantee long-lasting advancements in the battle against child marriage