Bundi Authorities Intervene to Prevent Child Marriage, Secure Legal Protection for Minor
In a decisive action highlighting the fight against child marriage, the district administration of Bundi, in collaboration with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and Childline, successfully halted the wedding of a minor girl in Karwar village on Tuesday evening. The rescue operation culminated in a court injunction that restrains the girl's parents from solemnising her marriage for the next two years, with local police directed to monitor the case to ensure her rights are safeguarded.
Covert Operation and Timely Rescue
A seven-member rescue team, comprising members from the CWC and Childline, executed a meticulous plan to prevent the illegal ceremony. The team conducted reconnaissance in Karwar village and stationed themselves at the temple where the wedding was scheduled for the night, posing as visitors throughout the day. To avoid raising suspicion, they even participated in pre-wedding rituals, blending seamlessly into the environment.
Acting on specific intelligence, officials located the 16-year-old girl at a relative's house in Karwar and rescued her around 5 PM, just hours before the ceremony was set to begin. The girl, a Class 9 dropout from a village in Kota district, had reportedly eloped on February 13 with a 24-year-old man from Karwar.
Alleged Manipulation and Legal Violations
According to CWC officials, the youth allegedly kept the minor at relatives' houses in Jaipur and other locations. He procured a live-in certificate on a notarised stamp paper dated February 14 through an advocate in Kota. Furthermore, he is accused of manipulating the girl's date of birth on her Aadhaar card at an e-Mitra kiosk in Karwar and circulating photographs of a purported temple wedding to legitimise the union.
Relatives reportedly dissuaded the girl's parents from filing a missing person complaint, while the boy's family proceeded with plans for a traditional ceremony on February 24. CWC chairperson Seema Poddar stated that the rescue team identified all individuals involved in the wedding arrangements, including band members, DJs, caterers, and the venue, and collected substantial evidence.
Court Intervention and Ongoing Vigilance
Based on a complaint filed by the CWC, the Nainwan judicial magistrate court issued an injunction prohibiting the marriage and directed Karwar police to maintain vigilance over the situation. Notices will also be issued to the advocate involved in procuring the live-in certificate and the unidentified e-Mitra operator who facilitated the Aadhaar card alteration.
This case underscores the critical role of coordinated efforts between administrative bodies, child protection agencies, and the judiciary in combating child marriage. The two-year injunction provides a crucial window for the minor's rehabilitation and protection, setting a precedent for proactive legal measures in similar scenarios.
