In a significant judgment, the court of the Principal Civil Judge in Kushtagi, Koppal district, has sentenced three individuals in connection with a child marriage that was solemnized in a village under the taluk in 2019.
Sentences Awarded
Principal Civil Judge Mayappa Pujeri awarded two years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 10,000 to the groom, Santosh Kori, for marrying a minor girl. The girl's father received a stricter sentence of four years in prison and a fine of Rs. 20,000, while her mother was sentenced to two years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 20,000.
Case Background
A case under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act was registered at the local police station against Santosh, his parents, and the girl's parents. The court held that Santosh's parents, Sharanappa Kori and Shantavva Kori, who were named as the second and third accused, were also guilty. However, both died during the course of the trial.
Legal Proceedings
Government pleader L. Rayanagouda represented the prosecution. The investigation was conducted by PSI Vishwanath Hiregoudar, who filed the chargesheet before the court. The court's decision underscores the strict enforcement of laws against child marriage in the region.
