In a step to prevent child marriage in Rajasthan, a division bench of the Rajasthan High Court has passed an order directing the state government to take steps to prevent child marriage in the state. The High Court also said that the sarpanch and the panchayat members of the village where the child marriage takes place will be held responsible.
The order of the High Court comes on the eve of the Akshay Tritiya festival, which is being celebrated on 10 May this year. Most child marriages in the state are performed on the occasion of the Akshay Tritiya festival.
The division bench of the high court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) on child marriage in the state. A list was submitted to the court by the petitioner where child marriage was scheduled in the state during the Akshay Trittiya.
The court appreciated the effort of the state administration in reducing the number of child marriages in the state but said that a lot needs to be done.
The High Court observed that under the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Rules 1996, it is the duty of the Sarpanch of the village to restrict child marriage in the village.
The court said that it would be the responsibility of the Sarpanch and the panchayat member of the village mentioned in the list to prevent child marriage.
The court directed the state government that the Sarpanch and panch should be sensitised and informed that they will be held responsible under section 11 of The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006 if they fail to prevent child marriages.”
In India, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2006 stipulates the minimum age of marriage for girls and boys. The minimum marriage age for girls is 18 years, and for boys, it is 21 years. If anyone marries below the minimum age, then the marriage is not illegal, but the law provides punishment for those who perform, permit or promote child marriage.