Temples in Odisha are prohibited from solemnising child marriages
Temples in Odisha are prohibited from solemnising child marriages
admin
Bhubaneswar: Temples in Odisha have been asked not to perform child marriages on their premises, according to the state administration.
The Law Department has requested that the Endowments Commission give a recommendation to shrines under its administrative control in this regard.
According to the guideline released on Monday, temples must now post a notice at the entrance point stating that "marriage before legal age is punishable" and that "no child marriage is solemnised here."
Furthermore, before allowing a wedding on their premises, temple officials must verify the bride and groom's age-related paperwork.
The Collectors will guarantee that comparable actions are taken at shrines that are not under the supervision of the Endowments Commission. Temple priests will also be educated about the negative repercussions of child weddings.
In comparison to 2019, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) recorded a 50 percent increase in child marriage instances in 2020.
According to the NCRB, there were 785 incidents of child marriage documented last year. Karnataka had the most cases, with 184, followed by Assam (138), West Bengal (98), Tamil Nadu (77), and Telangana (62).
