Karnataka second highest in child marriage cases across India

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, July 12, 2024: Shocking statistics have emerged about the prevalence of child marriages across several states in India over the past three years. According to information presented by the Central Government to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh have reported the highest numbers of child marriages.

During the hearing of a petition filed by a voluntary organization urging the Supreme Court to issue guidelines to curb child marriages, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Ministry of Women and Child Development, disclosed concerning figures. She highlighted that over the past three years, Tamil Nadu recorded 8,966 child marriages, Karnataka 8,348, West Bengal 8,324, Telangana 4,440, and Andhra Pradesh 3,416.

Further statistics indicated 3,316 child marriages in Assam, 2,043 in Maharashtra, 1,206 in Gujarat, 1,197 in Uttar Pradesh, and 1,104 in Haryana, placing these states among the top ten grappling with this social issue, according to the Center’s report.

Despite efforts to prevent child marriages, Bhati acknowledged that significant numbers continue to occur, lamenting the low number of FIRs filed under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006. Responding to these findings, the NGO’s lawyer criticized the inadequate legal action against those involved in child marriages and called for the appointment of dedicated officers to handle prevention efforts instead of current officials.

Following the arguments, the bench presided over by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud reserved judgment, expressing intent to deliberate on issuing directives and guidelines to bolster the efforts of both Central and State Governments in eradicating this societal menace.