LAHORE, Feb 11: Punjab has made all child marriage-related offences non-bailable and non-compoundable and empowered courts to stop planned marriages through immediate injunctions, while directing that cases be decided within 90 days under the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Ordinance 2026.
The enforcement provisions were notified through the Punjab Gazette alongside the new law.
Officials said the measures aim to prevent child marriages before they occur and ensure faster justice.
Sessions Courts given exclusive powers
Only Courts of Session will try offences under the ordinance. Other courts cannot take cognizance.
The government expects this step to speed up proceedings and ensure uniform decisions.
Courts can stop marriages in advance
The law allows courts to intervene proactively.
If information is received that a child marriage is being arranged, the court may issue an injunction to restrain the ceremony.
This enables authorities to block illegal marriages before they take place.
Protection for informants
The ordinance also protects whistleblowers.
If a person provides information and seeks anonymity, the court may conceal their identity. Officials said this will encourage reporting in sensitive family cases.
Penalty for disobeying court orders
Anyone who knowingly violates a court injunction may face up to one year imprisonment or a fine of Rs100,000, or both.
Stricter police powers
By declaring offences cognizable, police can register cases and’orders of warrant.
Because the offences are non-bailable and non-compoundable, suspects cannot easily secure bail or settle matters privately.
Legal experts say this marks a major shift toward tougher enforcement.
Fast-track trials within 90 days
The ordinance also introduces time-bound justice.
Courts must conclude trials within 90 days of taking cognizance. The aim is to avoid prolonged litigation and deliver swift relief to victims.
Century-old act replaced
The new framework replaces the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929. Officials said the updated law strengthens prevention, improves enforcement and aligns with modern child rights standards.
With injunction powers, stricter bail rules and fast-track trials, authorities hope to stop child marriages at the planning stage rather than after the damage is done.