Pune Police Intervene to Stop Illegal Child Marriage in Yerawada
In a decisive action against child marriage, the Laxminagar police in Pune successfully prevented an underage wedding ceremony after conducting a raid at a hall in Yerawada on the evening of January 30. The operation was initiated following a tip-off about the illegal event, highlighting the authorities' vigilance in enforcing laws protecting minors.
Details of the Prevented Marriage
Senior Inspector Ravindra Kadam of the Laxminagar police provided crucial details about the case. He stated, "The bride was 16 years old, and the groom was 19 years old. Neither of them has attained the legal age for marriage." According to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) of 2006, the legal marriage age in India is 18 years for brides and 21 years for grooms, making this union a clear violation of statutory provisions.
Legal Actions and Charges Filed
The police have registered a comprehensive case against multiple individuals involved in the attempted marriage. Those charged include:
- The parents of the minor bride
- The bridegroom and his family members
- The person responsible for arranging the marriage
- The catering service provider
- Other attendees present at the hall
Inspector Kadam explained the rationale behind the broad charges, noting, "We registered the case against all those present in the hall for not raising the issue or calling the police after coming to know that the bride was a minor." This underscores the collective responsibility in preventing such illegal acts.
Police Response and Family Statements
Upon receiving credible information about the child marriage, the police team swiftly moved to the wedding venue. Kadam recounted, "Our team rushed to the wedding hall and ordered the family members to halt the wedding proceedings." During interactions, family members of both the bride and groom admitted to making a collective decision to proceed with the marriage, knowingly disregarding legal mandates.
He added, "They neglected the law in the process," emphasizing the deliberate nature of the violation. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in eradicating child marriage practices, despite stringent laws like the PCMA.
The proactive stance of the Laxminagar police not only prevented a potential tragedy but also set a precedent for strict enforcement against those complicit in such offenses. Community awareness and timely reporting remain critical in combating this social evil.
