Bill to Raise India's Marriage Age Raises Furor

Critics say measure would force girls into illegal marriage

By: Neeta Lal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s right-wing government’s decision to raise the legal age of marriage for Indian women from 18 to 21 years to bring it at par with that of men has polarized the nation, with widespread opponents complaining that raising the age would force more girls into illegal marriages in a country where child marriage is al…