Bengaluru: The marriage of a 16-year-old girl to a 33-year-old man was halted in Bengaluru after officials from the Urban District Child Protection Office intervened following a tip-off from the minor’s boyfriend.
According to officials, the wedding was scheduled to take place on May 11 at Poornima Mahal within the limits of Chandra Layout police station.
The child welfare department acted swiftly after receiving information from activists and managed to stop the marriage before the ceremony could take place.
Boyfriend alerted activists and officials
Officials said the minor girl had informed her boyfriend about the planned marriage.
The boyfriend reportedly alerted a Kannada organisation, which then informed the Child Protection Department about the situation.
Following the complaint, officials rushed to the girl’s residence near Nagarabhavi on May 7 and spoke to the family.
The department later secured a written undertaking from the family confirming that the marriage would be cancelled.
Family allegedly pressured girl emotionally
According to officials, the girl’s family emotionally pressured her into agreeing to the marriage due to her mother’s serious health condition.
The girl’s mother is reportedly suffering from kidney failure and undergoing dialysis treatment.
Officials said the family used the situation to convince the minor to get married despite her young age.
Asha HK, District Child Protection Officer of Kengeri Division, Bengaluru Urban District, stated that the intervention prevented the child marriage from taking place.
“The girl would have been married had the department not stepped in. The staff rushed to the home and educated the family about the Child Marriage Act and the legal consequences they could face,” the officer said.
Officials warn family about legal consequences
The department also educated the family about the risks associated with child marriage, including health complications and emotional distress caused by a significant age gap between the couple.
Officials warned that the groom could face legal action under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act for agreeing to marry a minor.
Authorities revealed that the family had already completed several wedding preparations, including booking the marriage hall.
During the counselling session, the girl’s mother reportedly became emotional and allegedly threatened self-harm after officials informed the family that the child could be taken into protective custody.
Family signs undertaking before officials
To resolve the situation, officials obtained a signed undertaking from the girl’s father, identified as Lokesh R.
The family assured authorities that they would cancel the marriage and wait until the girl reached the legal age for marriage.
The family has also been directed to appear before the Child Welfare Committee next week.
Officials said local police would regularly visit the family’s house to ensure the safety and well-being of the girl until the hearing takes place.
Activists reportedly receive threats
Department officials further stated that some activists involved in alerting authorities about the child marriage have allegedly received threat calls.
They have been advised to file a formal police complaint regarding the threats.
The incident has once again highlighted the continuing issue of child marriage despite strict laws prohibiting the practice in India.
Authorities urged the public to immediately report any suspected cases of child marriage to child welfare officials or police to prevent such incidents and protect minors.