Shocking Skepticism: Supreme Court Questions Child Marriage Data Accuracy in Nagaland and Other States | MorungExpress
In a landmark judgment on October 18, the Supreme Court of India addressed the persistent issue of child marriage, despite its widespread condemnation and the implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) in 2006. The Court issued comprehensive guidelines to the Centre, States, and other authorities, aiming to enhance the Act’s effectiveness. The ruling arose from a petition by the NGO Society for Enlightenment and Voluntary Action, highlighting the alarming prevalence of child marriages in India.
Statistics from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2019-2021 revealed that 23.3% of girls under 18 and 17.7% of boys under 21 were married, indicating a slight improvement from previous years. However, the absence of registered child marriage cases in several States and Union Territories, including Nagaland, raised concerns about underreporting and a lack of awareness.
The Supreme Court’s directives emphasized robust legal enforcement, judicial measures, and community involvement. Key measures include appointing dedicated Child Marriage Prohibition Officers, conducting quarterly reviews of enforcement agencies, and integrating child marriage prevention efforts into community and educational settings. The Court also called for comprehensive awareness campaigns and technological initiatives for reporting and analyzing child marriage incidents.
Moreover, the Court urged the development of educational and social support programs for at-risk children, alongside monitoring and accountability measures. It recommended allocating dedicated budgets for child marriage prevention and providing financial support to individuals and families affected by early marriages. This significant ruling underscores the need for collective action and accountability to eliminate child marriage, especially in regions like Nagaland, where reported cases remain low despite survey data indicating ongoing practices. The Supreme Court’s judgment serves as a crucial step towards addressing the socio-economic factors fueling this social evil, aiming for its eventual eradication.
Original Story https://www.morungexpress.com/sc-sceptical-of-child-marriage-data-in-some-statesuts-including-nagaland
Category : Morung Exclusive , Nagaland
Tags:
