Despite ban on child marriage, viral video shows newlyweds in wedding attire

Last update:November 15, 2024, 2:07 p.m. IST

The video, which went viral on Instagram, highlights the persistent problem of child marriage in the country.

Despite laws banning child marriage and imposing strict age limits for boys and girls, a disturbing video has surfaced online showing child marriage taking place openly, with no respect for the law. The video, which went viral on Instagram, highlights the persistent problem of child marriage in the country, especially in Rajasthan. However, News18 could not independently verify the veracity of the viral video.

Child marriage has been illegal for years, with the Child Marriage Prohibition Act (2006) setting the legal age of marriage at 18 for girls and 21 for boys. Violators of this law face serious consequences, including criminal prosecution.

Recently, the Jaipur Police issued a stern directive to ensure that child marriages are prevented during the wedding season, vowing to monitor ceremonies more closely to combat such illegal practices. However, despite warnings from police, reports of child marriages continue to emerge on social media.

Watch the viral video:

The video in question was shared by a wedding guest and shows a young boy dressed as a groom and an equally small girl in a wedding outfit. The ceremony appears to have been attended by a large crowd, but the location of the wedding is unclear.

After the video was posted online, it quickly went viral, sparking widespread condemnation. Many viewers have expressed disbelief that such marriages are taking place so openly, even as laws and police efforts seek to combat the practice. One speaker noted that the video demonstrated blatant disregard for the law, while others highlighted the persistence of child marriage in rural areas.

Although the video’s authenticity has not been independently verified, it serves as a stark reminder that child marriages continue to take place in defiance of legal and social norms.