Congress govt in Rajasthan passes bill to register child marriages; BJP stages a walkout

Amid strong resistance from Opposition, Rajasthan Assembly on Friday passed 'Compulsory Registration of Marriages Amendment bill of Rajasthan'. With passing of aforementioned bill,  registration of child marriages in state will now be allowed. 

bill states that if girl's age at time of wedding is less than 18 years and boy's age is less than 21, parents will have to inform  registration officer within 30 days. Based on information, process for registration will be initiated by concerned authority. 

Ruckus in Rajasthan Assembly

During Parliament proceeding, main Opposition in assembly - BJP, raised a rar pertinent question, "What are need for registration and purpose of bill when child marriage would remain illegal". 

Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government replied with claim that proposed legislation allows registration of marriages, but does not state anywhere that such weddings will eventually become valid.

"If it is indeed a child marriage, collector of particular district and officers concerned will be able to take necessary action against families, Parliamentary Affairs Minister in government, Shanti Dhariwal pointed out.

Not convinced with reasoning of ruling Congress, BJP demanded a division of votes, which was rejected by House. Miffed at this, BJP trooped into well of House shouting slogans, before finally staging a walkout.  bill was passed after this, following a voice vote.

What is Compulsory Registration of Marriages Amendment bill of Rajasthan?

Compulsory Registration of Marriages Amendment bill of Rajasthan entitles  parents of underage couples to get ir marriage registered. parents of couple will inform registration officer by handing a memorandum in prescribed format. Based on this, registration officer will register that child marriage. marriage registration officer will do registration up to block level.