text: ligious, customs and cultures compose India, matters concerning marriage within these communities are gov­ erned by their respective personal laws and by pertinent legislations of the Indian Parliament. 116. The relevant legislative measures governing family, marriage and children include the Hindu Mar­ riage Act, 1955: amended by the Marriage Laws (Amendment) Act, 1976; The Special Marriage Act, 1954; the Hindu Succession Act, 1956; the Hindu Mi­ nority and Guardianship Act, 1956; the Dowry Prohibi ­ tion Act, 1961; the Hindu Widows ’ Re-marriage Act, 1956 (as modified in 1969); the Indian Christian Mar­ riage Act, 1872; the Indian Divorce Act, 1896; and the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929, as amended in 1978. 117. The right of men and women of marriageable age to marry and to establish a family is recognized and protected. Under the Child Marriage Restraint Act, the marriage age for men and women is prescribed as 21 and 18 years respectively. Consent for marriage is regu ­ lated by the personal laws prevalent in different com­ munities. Marriage by consent among the Hindus is re­ quired under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. Among Muslims this is provided for in the Muslim personal law, and accordingly, every Muslim, who has attained puberty and is of sound mind can enter into a contract of marriage. The Christian Marriage Act governs mar­ riage by consent among Christians in India. The Spe­ cial Marriage Act requires consent of the intending spouses for civil marriage by way of registration. 118. Equality of rights and responsibilities of spouses as to marriage, during marriage, and dissolu ­ tion is ensured in accordance with the personal laws of each community. However, equality for marriage is sought to be reinforced by legislative reform to do Consideration of reports submitted by States parties —India 351
analysis: The text appears to discuss the legal framework and personal laws governing marriage, family, and children in India. It mentions specific acts and laws related to marriage, divorce, and child marriage, which suggests that the topic is more related to the social and cultural aspects of Indian society rather than economic or environmental issues.