17-year-old bride, 13-year-old groom:Administration raids Ahilya Paltan and Rau areas of Indore; stops 2 child marriages

In Indore’s Ahilya Paltan area on Friday, complete preparations for a wedding had been made at a house. The mandap was decorated. The bride was having turmeric applied. Women were singing songs, when suddenly the Women and Child Development Department team arrived and stopped the marriage of the minor daughter. The girl’s father told the team that in their community, there is permission for marriage at the age of 16 years. When officials asked to show any government rule or order related to this claim, he had no answer. 6 months remaining to turn 18 years Investigation revealed that the girl was about 6 months away from turning 18 years old. After this, officials explained to the family members and the boy’s side about the provisions of the Child Marriage Prohibition Act, punishment, and the disadvantages of marriage at a young age. Women and Child Development Department’s Project Officer Chitra Yadav, Flying Squad In-charge Mahendra Pathak, member Sangeeta Singh, Childline’s Phool Singh Carpenter, and other team members counseled both families. After a lengthy discussion, both parties agreed to postpone the marriage. Guests were allowed to be served food Family members informed that expenses had already been incurred in wedding preparations. Invitations had also been distributed. In such circumstances, guests could not be sent back empty-handed. On this, the administration permitted them only to serve food. The team has made it clear that on April 19, the day of the wedding, both families will be kept under surveillance. If an attempt is made to conduct a child marriage despite giving an affidavit, legal action will be taken against the concerned persons. Special campaign underway in the district A special campaign is being run in the district to prevent child marriages. As soon as a complaint is received, the team reaches the spot and verifies the age. Strict action is also taken when necessary. In the matter, the Collector also issued a prohibitory order on Friday. Second case: Bride 18 years old, groom 13 years old A case of stopping a child marriage has also come to light in Sanjay Nagar in the Rau police station area of Indore. Here the bride had completed 18 years of age, but the groom was only 13 years old. As soon as the complaint was received, the team reached the spot and stopped the marriage after checking the documents. In the inquiry, initially the family members denied the marriage. Marriage preparations were clearly visible at the spot. The marriage was proposed for April 19. Flying Squad in-charge Mahendra Pathak said that we had received information about child marriage. The haldi ceremony was on Friday. We reached the spot and counseled the family members. They agreed after counseling, but they said that the wedding cards had already been distributed. In this situation, we have given permission to serve food to guests on Akshaya Tritiya day. Also, until the girl becomes an adult, she will go to the Anganwadi every day and mark her attendance.