A total of 18 child marriages have been stopped in the Coimbatore District in this period of COVID-19 lockdown.
Coimbatore: A total of 18 child marriages have been stopped in the Coimbatore District in this period of COVID-19 lockdown.
From January to July a total of 23 child marriages have been stopped by the authorities in Coimbatore district, of which 18 were during the lockdown period.
With the legal age for marriages set at 18 yrs for women and 21 years for men, all marriages that happen before the legal age are considered illegal.
Speaking about this an official said, "Last year 58 child marriages have been stopped in Coimbatore district. From March to July, 2020, 18 child marriages have been stopped. The details of those who give information regarding child marriages are kept a secret. Rigorous imprisonment and Rs. 1 lakh fine will be imposed on those who conduct child marriage and those who encourage it", warned the official.
He further said, "The Child marriage prevention officer has been granted power to take immediate action on complaints received in any form. This has been done with the intent of eradicating child marriages. For complaints regarding child marriages the District Social Welfare Officer's office in the District Collectorate or the helpline number 1098 can be contacted."
From January to July a total of 23 child marriages have been stopped by the authorities in Coimbatore district, of which 18 were during the lockdown period.
With the legal age for marriages set at 18 yrs for women and 21 years for men, all marriages that happen before the legal age are considered illegal.
Speaking about this an official said, "Last year 58 child marriages have been stopped in Coimbatore district. From March to July, 2020, 18 child marriages have been stopped. The details of those who give information regarding child marriages are kept a secret. Rigorous imprisonment and Rs. 1 lakh fine will be imposed on those who conduct child marriage and those who encourage it", warned the official.
He further said, "The Child marriage prevention officer has been granted power to take immediate action on complaints received in any form. This has been done with the intent of eradicating child marriages. For complaints regarding child marriages the District Social Welfare Officer's office in the District Collectorate or the helpline number 1098 can be contacted."