Court Nullifies 20-Year Child Marriage, Orders Reimbursement of Legal Costs

Anita, married at the age of four months, had her child marriage annulled by a family court after 20 years. Unlike usual cases, the court also ordered her husband to reimburse her litigation costs. Key support came from Kriti Bharti of Saarthi Trust. Anita is now pursuing higher education.

In a landmark decision, a family court has annulled the child marriage of Anita, who was married off at just four months old. The ruling marks an unusual precedent where the court also directed her husband to cover the legal expenses Anita incurred during the litigation process.

Anita, whose family initially resisted her decision, found crucial support from Kriti Bharti, managing trustee of Saarthi Trust, which led to a legal battle that culminated in Monday's court order. Anita's parents were eventually persuaded to support her through Bharti's counseling efforts.

Ecstatic and relieved, Anita, now a final-year BA student, expressed her newfound freedom and determination to focus on her education and competitive exams. Despite threats from her husband's family, Anita and her supporters triumphed in ending the unlawful marriage.

(With inputs from agencies.)