ARCHIVES
VOL. 8, ISSUE 3 (2026)
Breaking the chains of early marriage: The story of the Sarda act
Authors
Dr. R Kalaivani
Abstract
The Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929, commonly known as the Sarda Act,
represents a landmark in the history of social reform legislation in colonial
India. The Act was introduced to restrain the widespread practice of child
marriage, which had deep social, cultural, and economic roots. This paper
examines the historical evolution of the Act, situating it within the broader
context of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century reform movements, the rise
of women’s organizations, and legislative developments under British rule. It
analyses the contributions of key reformers, the legislative debates
surrounding the Bill, and the role of the Age of Consent Committee. The study
further evaluates the provisions, limitations, and enforcement challenges of
the Act, along with its long-term impact on Indian society. Finally, it traces
the Act’s legacy through post-independence legal developments culminating in
the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. The paper argues that while the
Sarda Act had limited immediate enforcement success, it played a foundational
role in transforming social attitudes and establishing the principle of state
intervention in harmful social practices.
Download
Pages:1-4
How to cite this article:
Dr. R Kalaivani "Breaking the chains of early marriage: The story of the Sarda act". International Journal of Social Research and Development, Vol 8, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 1-4
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.