The task force gathered feedback from 16 universities and engaged over 15 NGOs to reach out to young people, in rural and marginalised communities, across religions, and from urban and rural areas.
In his statement, Verma said that girls should go to their Sasural (in-laws home) and be happy for life after they turn 18.
The petition also claims that the marriageable age discrimination is a violation of fundamental rights of equality (Article 14), protection against discrimination (Article 15), and dignity of life (Article 21).
The task force will suggest ways to encourage the higher studies of women, explore the impact of marital age on infant mortality rate, maternal mortality rate, the mental health of the mother, nutritional status of both the mother and child, sex ratio at birth and child sex ratio.
Petitioner Ashwini Upadhyay said that this differential bar of minimum age discriminates against women, thus contravening the fundamental principles of gender equality and breaches Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution of India.
