Rajasthan High Court Holds Village Heads Accountable for Child Marriages

The High Court of Rajasthan has issued a directive to the State Government, emphasizing the prevention of child marriages and holding village heads and Panchayat members accountable for any such incidents occurring in the state. The court’s order, issued on Wednesday ahead of the Akshay Tritiya festival on May 10, aims to curb the prevalence of child marriages, particularly during such occasions.

The directive came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the court’s intervention to prevent child marriages, highlighting concerns despite the existence of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006. While acknowledging the efforts made by authorities to reduce the number of child marriages, the court stressed the need for further action to address the issue effectively.

RP Singh, counsel for the petitioners, provided the court with a list detailing child marriages scheduled around Akshay Tritiya in the state. In response, the court directed the state to investigate and report on measures taken to prevent such marriages, emphasizing the responsibility of Sarpanchs to restrict child marriages under the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Rules 1996.

The court’s order underscored the importance of sensitizing and informing village heads and Panchayat members about their responsibility under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006. It warned that negligence in preventing child marriages could lead to accountability under Section 11 of the Act.

The proactive stance taken by the Rajasthan High Court aims to safeguard the rights and well-being of children and uphold the legal framework aimed at preventing child marriages. By holding accountable those responsible at the grassroots level, the court’s directive seeks to ensure the effective implementation of laws and regulations to combat this social issue.

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