Panchkula, June 8 — A 21-year-old man from Karnal has been arrested for marrying a 17-year-old girl from Panchkula, despite the marriage being reportedly approved by both families.
Police confirmed that the case was registered following a complaint filed by the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer in Karnal. Though the families consented, the union is deemed illegal under Indian law as the girl is still a minor. A medical examination has also confirmed that the girl is pregnant.
“Regardless of familial consent, the law treats any such marriage involving a minor as a punishable offence,” said a senior police official from Sector-14 police station.
The accused was presented before a local magistrate on Saturday and remanded to one-day police custody. Officers plan to visit Karnal during the remand period to pursue further leads in the case.
A case has been filed under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 10 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. The legal proceedings extend beyond the accused youth, as police have initiated action against both fathers of the bride and groom under the Child Marriage Prohibition Act.
“We are treating this as a serious violation. Responsibility doesn’t stop at the couple — the guardians involved are also liable under the law,” said the investigating officer.
The investigation is ongoing.
