Child marriage is legally banned in India, but in Rajasthan, it remains a very common practice even today. One such case came to limelight recently, when an 8-year-old girl who is a resident of Kota showed courage and prevented her own child marriage that was scheduled for April 26.

Officials shared that a minor girl whose child marriage was scheduled for April 26 to a boy from Jhalawar district, reached out to a child helpline, informed them about the marriage and asked for help. The minor girl informed the authorities that her parents were forcing her to marry, even though she had refused, and they had also physically abused her for resisting the decision. She made a desperate plea to stop the marriage and intervene. “I don’t want to get married, but my parents are forcing me; please help,” said the minor girl.

Rescue and Protective Custody

Upon receiving the call, the District Child Protection Unit, the Department for Child Rights, and a local NGO reached out to her immediately. After efforts, the minor girl was safely taken from her home and placed in protective custody, to ensure her safety. After safely rescuing the girl, authorities filed a case against everyone involved in the illegal marriage.

Then the minor was then produced before the Child Welfare Committee, where she narrated the whole episode and received counselling and support. To keep her safe and secure, she was temporarily shifted to a government-operated girls’ shelter home. Authorities looking into the matter said that necessary steps will be taken to protect the child under the child protection guidelines. After this case came to light, the administration reiterated that child marriage is a punishable offence under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, which strictly prohibits the marriage of minors. However, even though authorities keep on reiterating the law, cases continue to happen in Rajasthan especially around Akshaya Tritiya or Akha Teej, a time when mass weddings occur.

CWC Chairperson Seema Poddar said that the child protection team has identified people involved in making arrangements, such as the band, DJ, caterers and venue.

Many more cases before Akshaya Tritiya

A very similar case happened in Bundi district a few days ago when two minor girls reported their scheduled marriage to the administration. On April 14, two girls aged 17 and 15 called and informed authorities about the forced marriage. Upon receiving the call, a joint operation was carried out by Tehsildar and officer in charge of Raithal police station, and members of the Childline unit arrived at the scene, rescuing the girls.

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