Marriage Age by Religion in India – Hindu, Muslim, Christian Marriage Law

Marriage laws in India can vary by religion, but the government has set a uniform minimum legal age that applies to most cases.

This guide breaks down the legal marriage age by religion, personal laws, and the central law that overrides them.

Minimum Legal Marriage Age in India (Universal Rule)

This age is enforced by:

• ✅ Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006
• ✅ Special Marriage Act, 1954

These laws apply across all religions, whether the marriage is:

• Hindu
• Muslim
• Christian
• Sikh
• Interfaith (under Special Marriage Act)

Hindu Marriage Law (Hindu Marriage Act, 1955)

This law applies to:

• Hindus
• Buddhists
• Jains
• Sikhs

👉 Even under Hindu law, marrying before legal age is invalid or voidable.

Muslim Personal Law (Shariah)

Traditionally, Muslim personal law permits:

• Girls to marry at puberty (around 15)
• Boys at 15 or 16

⚠️ But under Indian civil law, PCMA still applies, and minimum age is enforced regardless of personal law.

✅ So in India, Muslim marriages must follow 18/21 rule or they may be declared illegal.

Christian Marriage Law (Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872)

Christian marriages in India must:

• Be performed in front of a minister or registrar
• Follow age rules strictly

Interfaith & Civil Marriages

For people marrying across religions or under court supervision, the Special Marriage Act, 1954 applies:

• Age: 21 (male), 18 (female)
• Must register marriage before a magistrate
• Notice period: 30 days

Summary – Which Law Applies?

✅ In all cases, PCMA overrides religious law if age is below 18 (girls) or 21 (boys).