Observing that Muslim girls who attain puberty or complete 15 years of age are eligible for marriage under the Muslim law, the Gujarat High Court has upheld the marriage of a minor girl from the community.

Allowing a petition filed by the girl’s husband Yusuf Lokhat, Justice J.B. Pardiwala stated in an order dated December 2, “According to the personal law of Muslims, the girl, no sooner she attains puberty or completes 15 years of age, whichever is earlier, is competent to get married.”

Mr. Lokhat in his petition sought the quashing of an FIR against him under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006. The girl’s father had written to the children’s home for girls in Surat in June stating that his daughter was 17 and had married the 21-year-old Mr. Lokhat, following which the criminal case was registered.