2 child marriages prevented in Sonepat dist on Akshaya Tritiya

The child protection authorities averted two child marriages at Rahmana and Bega villages  in the district on Wednesday, following information about child marriages on Akshaya Tritiya.

The legal age for boys' marriage is 21 years.

Rajni Gupta, protection officer, said information was received through MDD India, an NGO.

A team comprising assistant Rajesh, EHC Rajmal and constable Sweety visited Rahmana village in Sonepat block and Bega village in Gannaur.

Tents had been mounted and preparations were on for the marriage. The boy, whose 'barat' was scheduled to reach Bega village, was 18 years old. His grandfather said the parents of the boy had died, leaving behind five children, and their grandparents were also not keeping well.

They had arranged the marriage of the eldest grandson to ensure that his siblings and elderly grandparents were looked after, he said, adding that they were under the impression that since an 18 year old could vote, he could also legally be married.

The team pacified the family members and told them about the legal marriage age as well as the consequences of child marriage, after which they agreed to cancel the wedding.

Later, the team reached Bega village, where a complaint had been received regarding the simultaneous marriage of a brother and sister.

During investigation, it was found that the girl was 21 years old, but the boy, whom she was going to marry at Rahamana village was only 18. The girl’s brother was 18 and was set to marry a woman aged 22.

The family said the marriage was being solemnised as his mother was visually impaired and they were hoping that someone would be there to manage the household after her daughter's marriage.

After being made aware of the law, the family assured the team that the boy would not be married until the age of 21.

The statements of all parties were recorded, and they were directed to appear before the office concerned for further legal proceedings.

“We remain committed to taking strict legal action wherever necessary, but we believe that awareness is the first step toward prevention,” Rajni Gupta said.