Q. With reference to the Age of Consent Act, 1891, consider the following statements:
1. It was Behramji Malabari, a Parsi reformer from Bombay, who advocated for this legislation.
2. The Act was supported by the extremist wing led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) Only 2
b) Neither 1 nor 2
c) Only 1
d) Both 1 and 2
Question from UPPSC Prelims 2024
Correct Answer: c) Only 1
Explanation: The Age of Consent Act, 1891, was a significant social reform legislation in colonial India. It raised the age of consent for sexual intercourse for girls from 10 to 12 years. This Act was primarily advocated by Behramji Malabari, a Parsi reformer from Bombay, who was deeply concerned about the plight of young girls subjected to early marriages and consummation. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
However, the Act faced opposition from certain sections of Indian society, including the extremist wing of the Indian National Congress led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak. They viewed this legislation as an interference in Indian traditions and culture by the British colonial government. Therefore, statement 2 is incorrect.
Thus, the correct answer is c) Only 1.
