The proposed legislation, titled the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026, removes the earlier provision that allowed girls to marry at 16. In a significant move to strengthen enforcement, the bill declares child marriage a cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable offence. This allows law enforcement agencies to take immediate action while preventing informal settlements outside court.

Under the new law, strict penalties have been introduced for all those involved in facilitating child marriages. Parents, guardians, adult spouses, Nikah registrars, and other facilitators could face up to seven years in prison along with fines reaching Rs. 1 million.

The bill also takes a firm stance by classifying cohabitation in such marriages as child abuse, carrying more severe legal consequences. Additionally, courts have been directed to resolve related cases within 90 days to ensure swift justice.

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During the session, chaired by MPA Muhammad Ashraf Rasool, the committee instructed the Local Government Department to finalize the draft rules within 60 days for formal approval.

Officials emphasized that the legislation aims to curb child marriage, reduce gender inequality, and enhance legal protection for minors across Punjab.