Look into under-age marriage, Punjab and Haryana High Court tells Panchkula Commissioner of Police

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 13

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Panchkula Commissioner of Police to look into the solemnisation of marriage of an under-aged boy against the provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. The Commissioner has also been directed to examine the role of the priest, who solemnised the marriage.

Justice Gurvinder Singh Gill asserted the girl was of marriageable age, being 19. But the boy, 20, could not be said to be of marriageable age as he was less than 21. The marriage, the Bench observed, was stated to have been solemnised on October 2 at ‘Pracheen Shiv Mandir, near Kaushaliya river bridge, at Pinjore in Panchkula district.

“Since the temple is stated to be situated in Panchkula district (Haryana), it is directed that the Commissioner of Police, Panchkula, shall examine the matter particularly as regards the solemnisation of marriage of the petitioners despite the fact that the boy was not of marriageable age, which is, in fact, against the provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006…. In case, it is found that the marriage has been performed in violation of any provisions, then necessary steps as may be warranted be taken thereupon,” Justice Gill asserted.

Taking note of their apprehensions regarding safety, Justice Gill at the same time directed the Senior Superintendent of Police concerned to get their representation examined regarding the alleged threat perception. “In case, it is found that there is genuine threat to lives and liberty of the petitioners, then necessary steps be taken so as to ensure that they are not harmed in any manner”.