NewsFlash Daily™
16 March 
Court says organisers, temple boards and marriage hall owners can face criminal action under the child marriage law
Bengaluru: Taking a strong stand against the social evil of child marriage, the Karnataka High Court has warned that priests, temple authorities and marriage hall owners who facilitate such weddings can also face criminal action under the law.
The court made this observation while refusing to quash an FIR registered against a husband and the parents of a minor girl who was married at the age of 16.
Background of the Case
According to the case details, during the COVID-19 lockdown, a 16-year-old girl was married to a man named Manjunath in Devanahalli by her parents. Later, after the girl turned 18, the couple reportedly registered their marriage legally.
The accused approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to cancel the FIR, arguing that the girl had now become a major and the couple were living together as husband and wife.
Court’s Key Observations
The bench led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna rejected the plea and made several significant observations.
Impact on Education
The court noted that forcing a girl into marriage at an age meant for education destroys her academic aspirations and future opportunities.
Purpose of the Law
The bench stated that cancelling cases simply because the couple later registered the marriage would defeat the very purpose of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
Warning to Organisers
The court also cautioned that if child marriages are conducted in temples, priests and temple administration could be held responsible. Similarly, if such weddings are organised in choultries or marriage halls, the organisers and owners could also face legal consequences under the child marriage law.
Court Rejects Petition
After considering the arguments, the court dismissed the petition seeking cancellation of the FIR and allowed the case to proceed.
Legal experts say the ruling sends a strong message to those who encourage or silently support child marriages, reinforcing that everyone involved in organising such events can be held accountable.
