Marriageable Age in Islam and the Indian State: Religious Permissibility, Legal Validity and Criminal Liability

This article explores how Islamic law and Indian statutes address the minimum age of marriage. Islamic law emphasises puberty and capacity rather than a fixed age, while Indian law enforces strict minimum ages with penal consequences, regardless of religion. This article analyses recent judicial decisions and statutory frameworks to show that Indian marriage-age requirements are both binding and compatible with Islamic principles. The article highlights ongoing judicial disagreements and stresses the need for a clear Supreme Court ruling to resolve the issue.