Calling child marriage a punishable offence with jail and heavy fines, the Bhopal Collector on Tuesday warned citizens against supporting or participating in such unlawful unions.
Speaking ahead of Akshaya Tritiya – one of the most auspicious dates for weddings in the Hindu calendar – Collector Kaushlendra Vikram Singh described child marriage as a grave social evil still prevalent in both urban and rural areas.
With wedding ceremonies set to peak from April 30, the collector sought public cooperation to ensure no underage marriages take place in the district.
A special drive under the “Lado Abhiyan”, part of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme, is underway across the district. Authorities are invoking the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, which allows up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of Rs 1 lakh, or both for those who organise, facilitate or participate in a child marriage.
Event organisers, especially those holding mass weddings, must submit an affidavit to the Collector’s office and the District Women and Child Development Office affirming that no minors will be married at their functions. Priests, caterers, band players, transport providers and others have been instructed to check and verify age certificates before offering their services.
Printing presses, often the first to be contacted during wedding preparations, have been told to clearly state in invitations that both bride and groom are legally adults. Those failing to do so could also be deemed as supporters of child marriage.
The Collector appealed to the public to be vigilant and report any suspected cases. Complaints may be registered through police helpline (Dial 100), child helpline (1098), women’s helpline (181), or directly with Women and Child Development officials stationed across various areas in the city.