The amended Child Marriage Prohibition Act seeks to strengthen enforcement. Under the new provisions, even attempts or preparations to arrange a child’s engagement will be punishable.
Published Aug 21, 2025 | 12:05 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 21, 2025 | 12:05 AM
Minister for Women and Child Development Laxmi Hebbalkar
Synopsis: The Karnataka Legislative Council on Wednesday approved the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Act, 2025, and the Karnataka Devadasi (Prevention, Prohibition, Relief and Rehabilitation) Act, 2025, after their passage in the Assembly. The amended Child Marriage Act strengthens enforcement, while the Devadasi Act defines “Devadasi” legally, holds biological fathers accountable.
The Karnataka Legislative Council on Wednesday, 20 August approved two key social reform bills: the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Act, 2025, and the Karnataka Devadasi (Prevention, Prohibition, Relief and Rehabilitation) Act, 2025.
The approvals come after the bills were passed by the Legislative Assembly on Monday.
On the seventh day of the Monsoon Session, discussions on both laws were held across party lines. Lawmakers emphasised the need to address social evils that persist in the state, including child marriage and the Devadasi system.
Child marriage continues to be a challenge in Karnataka, despite previous legal measures. The amended Child Marriage Prohibition Act seeks to strengthen enforcement. Under the new provisions, even attempts or preparations to arrange a child’s engagement will be punishable.
Offenders face a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. Additionally, the government is considering incentives of ₹25,000 for gram panchayats declared free from child marriage, according to Minister for Women and Child Development Laxmi Hebbalkar.
The Devadasi Bill provides a clear legal definition of “Devadasi” to identify genuine beneficiaries and ensure their social, educational, and economic empowerment.
The law also seeks to hold biological fathers responsible, provide conclusive proof of paternity, and facilitate comprehensive rehabilitation for victims and their children.
