The issue of Muslim and Hindu marital rights, with regard to the ages of people being able to join in matrimony, is as contentious as it is trivial. That people under the age of 18 could enter into marriage would only make sense if those people were treated as adults in every other aspect of their lives as well. But the fact that the law still regards them as minors should preempt any other argument on the subject.
That being said, the statements of Sat Maharaj at the Indian Arrival Day celebrations in Debe, as controversial as they were, raised an interesting point, even if it isn't the one he was attempting to make.
Unfortunately, child molestation occurs in our country, despite being condemned by every major religious organisation, except the Hindus and Muslims who excuse it with their marital laws.
How can Sat then attack the Christians and more so Catholics for their rogue priests, when the Hindu laws only add confusion to the entire issue? Or is he saying that child molestation can be sanctioned if consummated with the blessings of God?
To make this all a little more muddled, is that there is another scenario where someone under the age of 18 is allowed to live with strangers, albeit under more tragic circumstances. In cases where children become orphaned or are victims of abuse, the state can legally intervene and transfer them to a foster family for care and supervision. This is done so that the child can grow up in a nurturing environment and develop into a well-rounded and fine adult.
I bring this up to point out the difference between this arrangement and child marriage, because often times, if someone became married under the age of 18, their childhood ends abruptly and they are thrust into an adult relationship prematurely. Unless of course we expect that their spouse will nurture, guide and raise them as a parent, in which case the relationship becomes even more perverted.
No one can expect that people will stop viewing children as sexual objects if religious leaders keep confusing the situation. If we decide that a boy or girl are required to be at least 18 before getting married then that age should be the universal benchmark for any and all intimate relations, including copulation. But when there are exceptions to the rules, we are inviting perverse and wicked activity to take place, and we all become responsible for results.
Ravi Maharaj