The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The Child Marriage Restraint Act, popularly known as the Sarda Act, was enacted in 1929 to curb the practice of child marriage in India. It was a significant legislative milestone resulting from the sustained efforts of social reformers and women's organizations.Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: The passing of the Act was preceded by intense agitation and bitter debates, mirroring the struggles associated with earlier social legislations like the Age of Consent Act (1891). Reformers and organizations like the All India Women’s Conference pushed for the law, while orthodox sections of society strongly opposed it, viewing it as interference in religious customs.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The original Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929 fixed the minimum marriageable age at 18 years for men and 14 years for women. The statement incorrectly mentions the age for women as 16.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The age limits set by the original Act were subsequently amended. In 1949, the age for women was raised to 15, and by the Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Act, 1978, the marriageable age was raised to 21 years for men and 18 years for women.
Key Takeaway:
The Sarda Act (1929) originally set the marriage age at 14 for girls and 18 for boys; this was later increased to 18 and 21 respectively by the 1978 amendment.