SSC CGL 2025 PYQ — Question 28

SSC CGL - 20 Sep 2025 - Shift 1 • General Awareness • Q28

The Age of Consent Act 1891 raised the minimum martial age for girls from:

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is option 2 i.e. 10 to 12 years.

The Age of Consent Act, 1891, also known as Act X of 1891, was a significant legislative reform in British India. It raised the age of consent for sexual intercourse for all girls—married or unmarried—from 10 to 12 years. The act was heavily championed by social reformers like Behramji Malabari following the tragic death of Phulmoni Das, an 11-year-old girl. Despite facing fierce opposition from orthodox leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the law aimed to provide greater protection to child brides.