Recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) indicates a startling surge in child marriage cases in India, which have escalated sixfold in 2023 compared to the previous year. Alarmingly, around 90% of these reported incidents have originated from the northeastern state of Assam. The total number of child marriage cases recorded in 2023 reached 6,038, a significant jump from just 1,002 cases in 2022. Following Assam, the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and West Bengal have also reported considerable numbers of such cases, albeit at much lower frequencies.
Digital Desk New Delhi. According to the NCRB, child marriage has become a pressing issue in India, with cases increasing dramatically in 2023. Assam has emerged as the epicenter of this issue, accounting for approximately 90% of the total cases documented. This alarming trend is highlighted by the NCRB’s recent findings.
The NCRB’s report further reveals that in 2023, there were 16,737 reported cases of girls and 129 boys who were forcibly abducted. The registered cases of child marriage under the relevant legal frameworks rose dramatically to 6,038 in 2023, compared to only 1,002 in 2022 and 1,050 in 2021, underscoring a disturbing upward trend.
Assam Leads in Child Marriage Incidents
Among the states, Assam has the highest number of child marriage cases, totaling 5,267. This figure positions Assam as the state with the most significant incidence of child marriage in the country. Other states with notable numbers include Tamil Nadu, with 174 cases, Karnataka with 145, and West Bengal with 118. Interestingly, during this period, several states, including Chhattisgarh, Nagaland, Ladakh, and Lakshadweep, reported no cases at all.
Legal Framework Governing Child Marriage in India
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, which was enacted in 2006, explicitly prohibits the marriage of girls under the age of 18 and boys under 21. The legislation also imposes penalties on those who facilitate, conduct, or organize such marriages, aiming to protect the rights of children and eliminate this social ill from society.
(With news agency PTI input)
