JOIN USHearing a public interest litigation by Muthamma and Boodiayya seeking directions to prevent child marriages in the State, the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice A S Bopanna directed the petitioner, the Government advocate and Department for Women and Child Welfare (DWCW) to submit a list of experts for the committee.
The Bench, expressing shock over the prevalance of the century-old evil practice of child marriages, directed that the committee be constituted by Wednesday evening and a report should be submitted to the Court on Thursday. The Bench said: “We direct that the Counsel for the petitioners, Principal Secretary, DWCW and the Government counsel meet today (Wednesday) and constitute the committee.”
“ The marriage is being thrust upon the young girls and unfortunately many people encourage such practices. We haven’t seen more atrocities than this,” Chief Justice Khehar said.
The petitioners have submitted that child marriage is seen as part of the culture and unless people volunteer and come together to act against the practice it can’t be prevented.
They contended that the child marriage will adversely affect the future of the young girl, her education and may lead to maternal mortality.
The matter has been adjourned.