A TEENAGE mother who sought High Court permission to marry was on Monday given the go-ahead at a closed door hearing.
Her parents had refused to consent to her marriage. Under the law, she needed their approval or a court order to get married before the age of 21.
The 18-year-old homemaker told The Straits Times on Monday that she is 'very happy' and wanted to move on with life with her 25-year-old boyfriend and child.
He runs his own delivery company while she looks after the baby. They live with his parents in Woodlands.
The couple wanted to marry last year after the baby was born in July but her parents had objected for reasons not disclosed.
It is understood that the young man's parents made several unsuccessful attempts to obtain her parents' agreement to the union.
His mother then filed an application seeking the court's permission for the marriage to happen, saying in submissions that marriage would be in the best interests of the teenager and her baby.
Under the law a woman aged between 18 and 21 needs to obtain court consent if there is no consent from the parents.
If the girl is below 18, and even if her parents consent, the Minister of Community Development, Sports and Youth has to issue a special marriage licence as provided under the Women's Charter.
The teenager met her boyfriend two years ago, while she was working as a salesgirl, and she gave birth to their son in July last year.
The couple cannot be named to protect the identity of the child.
