Response

The boy involved in such an elopement would be entitled to punishments as specified by the Indian Penal Code for the commission of offenses like rape, kidnapping, and abduction. Instances of elopement in which a minor girl elopes with a boy without her consent are very serious criminal offense. any consent given by a girl in order to conclude an elopement would be invalid and the boy involved in such elopement could be charged for the commission of kidnapping, abduction or rape in accordance with the provisions of sections 362, 366 and 375 of the Indian Penal Code. YES, eloping is legal. But, it’s also not always that easy. An elopement is totally recognized as legal as long as you’re abiding by the rules and regulations of the state or country you’re choosing to get married in. Yes, ‘elope’ has historically meant “to run away secretly with the intention of getting married usually without parental consent.” But it has also meantÑand still meansÑ”to escape.” Consent becomes immaterial if the elopement involves a minor girl. In the instances where a girl and a boy run away in order to get married and the girl involved is a minor, the boy would be held liable for the commission of criminal offense regardless of the consent given by the girl.

Reference: Criminal Procedure Code, 1908

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LAWAYZ-2023-672