Legal Action Recommended in Panipat Child Marriage Case

In a startling development in Panipat, Haryana, Protection-cum-Child Marriage Prohibition Officer (PCMPO) Rajni Gupta has recommended legal action against the family members of a couple who were married while underage. This case has brought to light the persistent issue of child marriage in the region and the complexities surrounding its enforcement.

The incident came to official attention when a woman filed a petition in a Panipat court under the Domestic Violence Act. As part of the court's investigation, Gupta was directed to conduct an inquiry into the matter. The findings of this probe have revealed a concerning sequence of events that led to the illegal marriage.

According to Gupta's investigation, the marriage was solemnized in October 2022 under unusual circumstances. At the time of the wedding, the bride was only 17 years old, while the groom was 20 - both below the legal age of marriage in India, which is 18 for women and 21 for men. 

What makes this case particularly notable is that the marriage took place under police protection. The groom, who had been arrested in a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, was granted bail by the High Court specifically for the purpose of getting married. This bail was granted based on an application from the boy's family and a report from a Deputy Superintendent of Police.

The revelation of these details has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of child marriage prevention measures and the role of various authorities in this case. Gupta has now recommended legal action under Sections 9, 10, and 11 of the Child Marriage Prohibition Act against the family members of both the bride and groom. 

This case highlights the complex interplay between different legal systems and societal norms. It also underscores the challenges faced by authorities in preventing child marriages, especially when they intersect with other legal matters such as bail applications.

As this case progresses, it is likely to spark broader discussions about the implementation of child marriage laws, the role of police and judiciary in such matters, and the need for greater awareness and education about the harmful effects of child marriage on young individuals and society as a whole.