Pkl police warn of legal action against child marriages on Akshaya Tritiya

Panchkula: With Akshaya Tritiya (April 30) around the corner, Panchkula police have launched a drive to prevent child marriages, which are often clandestinely performed on this auspicious occasion.
Issuing a stern warning, DCP Himadri Kaushik Monday said, "Anyone found involved in organising or facilitating a child marriage will face legal consequences, including imprisonment. Akshaya Tritiya is traditionally considered a highly auspicious date for weddings, which unfortunately leads some to exploit the occasion to conduct illegal child marriages."
Under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, marrying a girl under 18 or a boy under 21 is a punishable offence. Offenders can face up to two years in prison and a fine of Rs 1 lakh. Offenders include not only the parents but also priests, caterers, and other participants such as guests, the DCP said.
Panchkula police have initiated a special operation involving coordination with anganwadi centres, temples and local priests to monitor suspicious activities. The DCP has asked all station house officers and outposts in-charge to remain alert and take immediate action on any information related to child marriages.
The DCP also made a public appeal to community members — including village priests, religious readers, panchayat leaders, sarpanches, nambardars, community centre heads, and banquet hall owners — to ensure their venues are not used for such illegal activities and to support the police in curbing this social ill.
The police department has urged citizens to report any suspected child marriages in their area immediately by calling on helpline numbers 112 or 181, or by informing their nearest police station. Strictest possible action will be taken against violators, the police said.