Indore: Strict Orders Issued To Prevent Child Marriages

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): To prevent child marriages during upcoming religious and social events, the Indore district administration has issued strict prohibitory orders effective from Friday to June 23.

Under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, marriages of girls below 18 and boys below 21 are legally banned. In light of this, Indore collector and district magistrate Asheesh Singh has invoked Section 163(1)(2) of the Indian Civil Protection Code and the Indian Civil Protection Act, 2023, to curb this social evil.

The directive is especially targeted at mass wedding ceremonies typically held on Akshaya Tritiya and other religious occasions.

Anganwadi workers, teachers, kotwars, Shaurya Dal members, Childline teams and members of the Ladli campaign have been made responsible for ensuring no underage marriage takes place in their areas.

Organisers of group weddings must now submit affidavits stating they will not conduct child marriages.

Service providers such as printing presses, tent houses, caterers, band members, beauticians, transporters and religious leaders are instructed to verify age proofs before offering services. Notices must be displayed clearly stating refusal of service for underage marriages.

Schools and colleges are also instructed to inform students about legal marriage age and consequences of child marriage. Strict action will be taken against violators under IPC Section 223 and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.