Significant Impact of Legal Interventions on Child Marriages in India

A report by an NGO reveals more than 70,000 child marriages have been prevented across 265 districts in 17 states and UTs with the help of civil society and panchayats. Despite progress, slow disposal rates and low conviction rates highlight ongoing challenges in fully eradicating this issue.

In a significant achievement, over 70,000 child marriages have been prevented across 265 districts in 17 states and Union Territories, according to a report by an NGO.

The India Child Protection (ICP) research team, in conjunction with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), disclosed that 59,364 child marriages were thwarted with panchayat intervention in 2023-24. The Rajasthan High Court held panchayats accountable, resulting in a notable decline in child marriage cases reported on Akshaya Tritiya.

Despite these efforts, the report underscores the ongoing challenges, including a slow disposal rate of child marriage cases in courts and a low conviction rate of 11% under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. Recommendations include establishing fast track special courts and a central portal with a Rapid Action Response Protocol for reporting child marriages.

(With inputs from agencies.)