Rajasthan to crackdown against child marriages

| Last updated less than one minute ago

Submit :

News Photos Just In Debate Topic Latest News Articles Local News Blog Posts Pictures Reviews Recipes

Dr. Lalit kishore

25 April, 2011

The Rajasthan State Legal Aid Authority has decided that strict action would be taken even against those, who abet and aid child marriages in the state. Those found guilty of this act would face a 2-year prison term and fine upto Rs 1 lakh.

DESPITE CREATING a lot of awareness against child marriages in Rajasthan, the practice continues unabated year after year. However, this year, the Rajasthan State Legal Aid Authority (RSLAA) has decided to take strict action against those who even officiate and aid child marriages including the priest and the caterer.

It is hoped that the government will seriously implement the new legal provisions. If so, this year, the offenders on the occasion of 'akshya tritya' will be booked and sent to jail for two years. The 'akshya tritya' is the day when child marriages in Rajasthan take place and this year it falls on May 6.

According to the president of RSLAA, Justice Dilip Singh, besides creating awareness against the social evil of child marriages in Rajasthan, a need was felt to take legal action and declare such marriages as null and void. He urged people and the administration to stop the practice.

According to the new provisions, there is two-year prison and fine up to Rs one lakh for the offence of indulgence in child marriage. Also, the police have been authorised to arrest the accused as it has been declared a non-bailable offence.

Also, the RSLAA has started a helpline in Jaipur with district and session judges of the all districts have been appointed to keep strict vigil on May 6.