LSGs to keep a tab on child marriages

Thiruvananthapuram: As part of its efforts to prevent child marriages happening in the state, following direction from the Kerala State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR), the department of urban affairs has issued an order to all urban local bodies to keep a tab on the marriages happening in their jurisdiction.

As per the direction, the license of institutions facilitating such illegal marriage would be cancelled under the Kerala Municipality Act.

In the order, the department asked the local bodies to ensure that the bride and groom are of legal age for marriage.  

Nazeer Chaliyam, a member of KSCPCR, told DC that there are complaints from across the state on child marriages.

"Prevention is the only way out and to an extent, we can curb such violations," he said.

"There are several registered marriage halls under the corporation's jurisdiction. The civic authorities could keep a record and insist on the age proof of the bride and groom before renting out the hall."

As per the order issued by the department of urban affairs, the owner of the marriage hall should insist on proof of age from the parties before renting out the hall. The civic authorities should ensure that the marriage halls should strictly maintain a record.