Topic

forced marriage

Forced marriage in Indian law refers to the union of a minor or person coerced through deception, threat, or exploitation, recognized as a violation under the Juvenile Justice Act and IPC provisions.

8 articlesLatest April 2026
Section 31 Juvenile Justice Act | Mandatory Production Before Child Welfare Committee for Minor Protection from Forced Marriage: Punjab & Haryana HC
Case Law Analysis
|Punjab and Haryana High Court

Section 31 Juvenile Justice Act | Mandatory Production Before Child Welfare Committee for Minor Protection from Forced Marriage: Punjab & Haryana HC

Punjab & Haryana High Court reinforces statutory safeguards under the Juvenile Justice Act by directing police to produce minors before the Child Welfare Committee within one week, ensuring protection from coercive threats like forced marriage. The ruling underscores compliance with statutory inquiry procedures for minors at risk.

Section 2(14)(vii) JJ Act | Forced Marriage of Minor Constitutes 'Exploitation' Triggering CWC Intervention : Punjab & Haryana HC
Case Law Analysis
|Punjab and Haryana High Court

Section 2(14)(vii) JJ Act | Forced Marriage of Minor Constitutes 'Exploitation' Triggering CWC Intervention : Punjab & Haryana HC

The Punjab & Haryana High Court ruled that coercing a minor into marriage qualifies as 'exploitation' under Section 2(14)(vii) of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, mandating immediate production before the Child Welfare Committee. The judgment underscores the state's duty to intervene even in the absence of a formal complaint, prioritizing the minor's best interests over familial objections.

Section 2(14)(vii) JJ Act | State Duty to Produce Minors Before Child Welfare Committee Arises on Apprehension of Harm, Not Formal Complaint : Punjab & Haryana HC
Case Law Analysis
|Punjab and Haryana High Court

Section 2(14)(vii) JJ Act | State Duty to Produce Minors Before Child Welfare Committee Arises on Apprehension of Harm, Not Formal Complaint : Punjab & Haryana HC

The Punjab & Haryana High Court ruled that the state must proactively intervene under the Juvenile Justice Act when a minor is at risk of forced marriage, even without a formal complaint. The Court directed police to produce the minor before the Child Welfare Committee, emphasizing that state duty is triggered by the mere apprehension of harm, reinforcing child protection over procedural formalities.

Section 2(14) JJ Act | Minor’s Refusal to Marry Triggers State Protection Duty : Punjab & Haryana HC
Case Law Analysis
|Punjab and Haryana High Court

Section 2(14) JJ Act | Minor’s Refusal to Marry Triggers State Protection Duty : Punjab & Haryana HC

Punjab & Haryana HC holds that a minor’s refusal to marry under familial pressure qualifies as a 'child in need of care and protection' under Section 2(14)(vii)(xii) of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, mandating immediate intervention by the Child Welfare Committee. The ruling reinforces state obligation to protect minors from forced marriages, even in the absence of physical coercion.

Section 2(14)(vii) Juvenile Justice Act | Minor Fleeing Forced Marriage is 'Child in Need of Care', Police Must Act Without Familial Consent : Punjab & Haryana HC
Case Law Analysis
|Punjab and Haryana High Court

Section 2(14)(vii) Juvenile Justice Act | Minor Fleeing Forced Marriage is 'Child in Need of Care', Police Must Act Without Familial Consent : Punjab & Haryana HC

The Punjab & Haryana High Court reaffirmed that a minor escaping forced marriage falls under 'child in need of care and protection' under Section 2(14)(vii) of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. The Court directed immediate police intervention and Child Welfare Committee inquiry, overriding familial objections to protect the minor's rights.