Answer By law4u team
No. Minors cannot legally enter into a court marriage in India. Under the Special Marriage Act, 1954: The groom must be at least 21 years of age. The bride must be at least 18 years of age. If either party is below the prescribed minimum age, the Marriage Officer cannot solemnize or register the marriage under the Special Marriage Act. Submitting false documents or misrepresenting age to obtain a court marriage may result in criminal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), depending on the facts of the case. If a minor is forced or induced into marriage, the persons responsible may face legal consequences under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, and other applicable laws. A child marriage does not automatically become a valid court marriage merely because it has been registered or solemnized. Its legal status is governed by the applicable marriage laws and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. If there is any doubt about the age of either party, the Marriage Officer may require valid proof of age before proceeding with the marriage. Therefore, a person must have attained the legally prescribed age before entering into a valid court marriage in India.
