Judge calls upon students to eradicate child marriage

District Family Court Principal Judge B Nandakumar called upon students to focus on their goal and not be victims of child marriage.

He was speaking after inaugurating an awareness programme on child marriage prevention organised by Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, district Legal Services Authority and zilla panchayat in Chikkamagaluru on Sunday.

A total of 30% of child marriage cases are registered in the country today. Child marriage is a punishable offense. Girls within 18 years and boys within 21 years cannot get married. Everyone should cooperate to prevent child marriage, he said.

The judge further said that more number of girls are victimised for child marriage. This will not only spoil their future, but will also have a bad impact on their health.

They may succumb to death during child birth. There are also possibilities of handicapped children taking birth. The child marriage is also one of the reasons for maternal and infant mortality. The girls who have become the victims of child marriage are subject to depression.

The government has brought to effect Child Marriage Act-2, according to which the culprits will be subject to imprisonment upto two years and Rs one lakh fine. Also, it is a non-bailable offense.

Deputy Commissioner G Satyavati said that 23% of child marriage cases are registered in the state. Girl children have to be self reliable along with being aware, to prevent child marriage.  Parents should not create a feeling of fear in the minds of children, which prevents the children to speak to their parents openly.

First Additional Civil Judge Padmaprasad, Town Mahila Samaja secretary Geeta M L Murthy, Women Welfare Committee chairperson H C Nataraj, Women and Child Welfare department deputy director K C Basavarajaiah were present.
DH News Service