The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, issued significant directives on Friday to strengthen the enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2005. The court stressed that child marriage robs children of their "agency, autonomy, and right to fully develop and enjoy their childhood."
In response to a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the persistent issue of child marriages in India, the court directed all states and Union Territories to appoint dedicated Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) at the district level. These officers will be fully focused on their roles without additional duties, and they are empowered to take legal action against anyone facilitating or endorsing child marriages.
The court also called for integrating Special Juvenile Police Units to help prevent child marriages and suggested that magistrates issue proactive orders, especially during mass weddings on auspicious days. Fast-track courts for child marriage cases and an online portal for reporting incidents anonymously were also proposed, to streamline prevention efforts and ensure swift justice.
These steps, the court emphasized, are crucial for protecting children's rights and eradicating child marriage from the country.
