Overview

• The draft Prohibition of Child Marriage (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2025 extends liability to attempts and preparations for both child marriages and engagements under state law.
• Section 9A of the proposal prescribes up to two years’ rigorous imprisonment or a fine of up to ₹1 lakh for anyone involved in planning or arranging underage unions.
• A new Section 12A would automatically render any engagement of a minor null and void from the moment it is announced.
• Section 13A empowers magistrates to issue preventive injunctions prohibiting child engagements before they take place.
• The bill, inspired by a May 31 meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and backed by data showing 700 cases last year and 1,465 over three years, is slated for the upcoming Monsoon Session of the Karnataka legislature.