Latest news with #ShaktiVahini
Indian Express
25-05-2025
- Indian Express
South Dinajpur police book decorators, caterers, and priests in child marriage case
The South Dinajpur police in West Bengal have booked decorators, caterers, priests, videographers, and wedding hall staff for allegedly participating in a child marriage that was foiled at the last moment on May 10. The local police and the members of Shakti Vahini NGO rescued the victim from the wedding venue. 'The minor girl, 17, was reportedly being compelled to marry a 25-year-old man. While the timely intervention prevented the solemnization of the marriage, a comprehensive list of attendees who were present that day and actively participated in the arrangements has also been drawn up,' said a senior police officer. Reacting to the First Information Report (FIR), a representative of the local Shakti Vahini stated, 'It is extremely critical to take strict action against people involved in the marriage to raise accountability.' 'The investigation into the matter is underway, and the girl has been sent to a home for counselling. If the report of the child protection officer turns out to be positive, then the girl will be reunited with her family,' said Mijanur Rahaman, a member of the Shakti Vahini and the complainant in the case. Bijin Krishna, District Magistrate, South Dinajpur, stated, 'Child marriage is quite prevalent in the district. The complaints we receive represent only about one-tenth of the actual number of child marriages taking place. By analysing teenage pregnancy data, we gain insights into vulnerable pockets and blocks. Ending child marriage is no small task, but many small actions can create significant change.' He also informed that the district administration has developed a comprehensive database of all teenage girls across the district from the panchayat level to help prevent child marriages. Rishi Kant, a member of the Shakti Vahini, said, 'Recently, the Supreme Court, in its judgment on child marriage, directed the appointment of Child Marriage Prevention Officers to reach out to rural areas and create a conducive environment for preventing child marriage. It is important to spread the message that child marriage is a crime and anyone and everyone found involved in it will be prosecuted. 'The West Bengal government has mandated that in child marriage incidents, FIRs must be filed and reach the DGP's office within 24 hours. As per the National Family Health Report and NCRB data, Bengal is one of the worst states in terms of child marriage. We are seeing a series of awareness programs happening, and now, slowly, the fear of the law is emerging among people.' Meanwhile, district officials said they have set a goal to make South Dinajpur a child marriage-free district by 2030.
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Maharashtra govt issues SOP to protect inter-faith and inter-caste couples
In response to a petition in the Bombay High Court on the safety of married and unmarried inter-faith and inter-caste couples in Maharashtra and also the increasing cases of attacks on the couples, the Home department of the Maharashtra government has issued Government Resolution (GR) on May 13, 2025, notifying a nine-point standard operating procedure (SOP) for safe housing and protection of inter-faith and inter-caste couples. Senior advocate Mihir Desai, along with advocates Lara Jesani and Rishika Agarwal for the petitioners had pressed for implementation of Supreme Court's 2018 Shakti Vahini guidelines which provides safe house and protection to the couple, but these guidelines were not implemented in Maharashtra. On October 27, 2023, the Bombay High Court had directed the State Government to consider issuing a GR. On April 29, 2025, the Bombay High Court received a draft of the GR that said the State government would be dealing with safe house for inter-faith and inter-caste couples, both married and unmarried. 'We have gone through the said draft GR. Learned counsel for the Petitioner has also gone through the same. Since it covers almost every aspect, it is open for the State Government to issue GR in terms of the said draft GR within two weeks from today,' the court said. The GR says that a special district-level cell, led by the superintendent of police or commissioner as chairman of the cell in which district social welfare officer will be a member and district women and child development officer will be a member secretary. The cell shall take due cognizance of all types of complaints from the couples and shall take immediate action to protect them. The cell will be equipped to provide security and a safe house for couples in danger. The SOP encompasses a helpline, FIR registration procedures, free legal assistance, a district review committee, and mandated reporting to the government. The cell will ensure the couples are not minors before proceeding with investigations upon complaints. If they are adults and need a safe house, it should be provided to them at a low cost initially for a month and if the cell finds potential danger to the couple, the stay can extend to six months with a security guard and police protection upon request. The district collector of the region will coordinate the safe house arrangements, which may include government guest houses or rented private residences, funded by the social justice department. Self-declaration by couples mandatory Couples must submit a self-declaration of voluntary marriage and age verification. If the police finds that either of the couple is a minor, they should check whether he or she has voluntarily joined each other or whether a case of missing or kidnapping or adoption has been registered against the minor. If the minors are involved, the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) will be notified for protection. Complaints can be made confidentially via helpline 112, with immediate police response guaranteed for threats to life. If the minor is above 16 but below 18 years, his or her views shall be taken into consideration. Additionally, quarterly reports will be submitted to the state government by the director-general of police. The State or the District Family Services Authority shall provide free legal aid to the couples and if required, the couples should also be provided with counselling and marriage registration services to the adult couples.
