Ban on child marriage applies to all, irrespective of religion: Kerala High Court
Kochi: The Kerala High Court has ruled that the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, is applicable to all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation. The court stressed on the responsibility of every individual to alert the child marriage prohibition officer if they become aware of any child marriage.
This ruling came as the court dismissed a petition filed by Moidutty Musliyar of Puthukode and four others, who sought to quash a criminal case against them under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. The prosecution alleged that the first accused had conducted the marriage of his minor daughter to the second accused in accordance with Islamic religious tenets and rites.
The third and fourth accused are the president and secretary of the Hidayathul Islam Juma Masjid Mahal committee. The case was registered following a complaint from a member of the Muslim community.
The petitioners argued that the first petitioner’s daughter, being a Muslim, had the religious right to marry upon reaching puberty, which they claimed was at the age of 15. However, the court rejected this contention, reiterating that the Act applies universally.
The court also highlighted the role of print and visual media as platforms to amplify voices against child marriage.
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Speaker UT Khader attends local cricket tournament during Bhatkal visit
Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.
After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.
Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.
Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.
The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.
Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.
