Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Judge: Underage marriage allowed if 'kadi' gives ok


Muslims in Kelantan who want to marry underaged persons can ask for permission or exception from the 'kadi' giving reasonable reasons, said Kelantan Syariah Court Chief Judge Datuk Daud Mohamad.

He said without permission they could be fined up to RM1,000 or imprisoned for six months or both by the Syariah Court according to the Kelantan Islamic Family Enactment 2002.

He said the regulation stipulated the age condition to prevent divorce as the married pair was considered to be not compatible.

Daud was asked to comment on the controversy of a 11-year-old girl who married a 40-year-old man in Kampung Jelawang, Kuala Krai, recently.

He said Section 8 of the Kelantan Islamic Family Enactment 2002 did not bar underage marriage except on condition that permission was needed from the Kadi's Office on grounds that the pair had sufficient maturity and fertility.

Wan Ubaidah Omar, the chairman of the Kelantan Women, Family and Health committee, said the state government will investigate the Kampung Jelawang marriage.

- Bernama

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