Marriage at 18: To be or knot to be?

New Delhi: If the government has its way, men could be marrying sooner.

The government is considering a proposal to introduce a common age of '18 years' for both men and women to marry.

At present men can only marry after attaining the age of 21.

"It is not a right step. It's bad keeping career concerns in mind. At 18 we're all busy shaping our future, and that is the priority. Where's the time to marry?"

I think the move is okay. Since today's youth anyway get into relationships much before 18, it's better to let them marry."

The HC order had held that a marriage where the girl was over 15 could be considered valid if she gives her consent and is a willing partner.

The government is planning to consider this proposal based on recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee.

The panel, under recommendations pertaining to the Prevention of Child Marriage Bill, has proposed the common age of 18 years for marriage.

The High Court had upheld that the Hindu Marriage Act recognises a marriage between two Hindus if the girl is between 15 to 18 years of age.

According to the Indian Penal Code, sex with a minor is a criminal offence.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi has welcomed the proposal saying that frequent violation of the 21-year-marriage rule will be rectified.

But human rights anc child activists are not happy with the recommendation as they feel that changing the boy?s marriageable age will not make any difference and will also not act as a deterrent against poor people maarying of their children early.