CHILD MARRIAGE IS A SERIOUS CRIME, TRADITIONS CANNOT OVERRIDE LAW: DCP SRISHTI GUPTA
(MOREPIC1)Face2News/Panchkula
Under the leadership of DCP Srishti Gupta, Panchkula Police is taking strong and prompt action against crimes related to women and children, with women’s safety being the top priority. In a recent case, a young man has been arrested under the POCSO Act and Child Marriage Prohibition Act for marrying a minor girl.
According to the information received, a 21-year-old man from Karnal married a 17-and-a-half-year-old girl from Panchkula. The case was reported through the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer in Karnal. Although the marriage took place with the consent of both families, it is illegal under Indian law as the girl is a minor. Based on this, the Sector-14 Police Station registered a case against the man under Section 6 of the POCSO Act and Section 10 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
(MOREPIC2) (SUBHEAD)The team from Sector-16 police post acted quickly and arrested the accused. He was presented in Panchkula court today and has been sent to police custody for one day. Medical reports have confirmed that the minor girl is pregnant, which makes the case even more serious. During the police remand, the investigation team will visit Karnal for further inquiry.
Police have also decided to take legal action not only against the accused but also against the fathers of both the boy and the girl under Section 10 of the Child Marriage Prohibition Act.
DCP Srishti Gupta clearly stated, “No matter what tradition or custom is used to justify child marriage, it is a serious crime under the law. Child marriage negatively affects the physical, mental, and emotional development of children. Laws are not just rules—they reflect the values and direction a society should follow. Panchkula Police will not tolerate crimes like child marriage or offenses against women and children. We will ensure swift and strict action in such cases to create a safe and strong environment in society.”
Panchkula Police also urges citizens to report any incidents of child marriage or similar illegal acts to the police immediately, so that timely action can be taken to provide justice and protection to the victims.