Rajasthan: Two girls approach Bundi authorities to halt their child marriages scheduled for February 10

Kota (Rajasthan): Two girls, studying in Class 12, have reached out to authorities in Rajasthan's Bundi district to stop their marriages, scheduled for February 10, officials said on Saturday.

A 17-year-old girl approached the office of Talera Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Rajesh Tailer on Friday, seeking assistance to stop her proposed marriage.

In response, Tailer initiated the process of issuing a prohibitory order. The girl's parents and family members were summoned to the office, where they were informed about the legal provisions related to child marriage and its consequences.

Bundi Child Welfare Committee (CWC) chairperson Seema Poddar said a prohibitory order will be issued, preventing the girl's parents from conducting her marriage until she turns 18. The girl has been sent to a government shelter home for her safety.

In a similar case, a 16-year-old girl approached the CWC on Monday to halt her proposed marriage, also scheduled for February 10. The girl, studying in Class 12 through open schooling, was to be married to a 20-year-old man from Bhilwara district.

Upon learning that their daughter had informed the authorities, the girl's parents attempted to advance the marriage to February 9 and also tried to relocate her. However, with swift action from the CWC, in coordination with Childline and the police, the girl was traced and taken into protective custody. She has been placed in a safe home until the scheduled marriage date to ensure her protection.

Regarding the girls' upcoming exams, Poddar stated that the CWC will request the concerned authorities to change their examination centres and will assume responsibility for their educational needs. She also noted that Bundi is the only district in Rajasthan where more than half a dozen prohibitory orders have been issued to prevent child marriages.

The Child Welfare Committee has called on citizens and parents to cooperate in eliminating child marriage, ensure girls' education and safety, respect the law, and protect children's rights. Authorities have urged the public to report any child marriage-related information to Childline at 1098 or to local administration.