Abdul Salam, chief qazi of Medak district, assured to extend complete support to prevent child marriages. The same promise was made by another 20 nayab qazis who attended a counselling session organised by the Legal Services Authority at the district court on Saturday.
Community elders are ready to render their cooperation in spreading awareness about laws, said Abdul Salam. We have problems while performing marriages and parents did not come forward to provide age proof certificate. When we insist, they ask us to perform ritual and not to bother about these issues, said some of the qazis at the meeting. They have also requested the judicial authorities to issue a circular in this regard. Nizamuddin, a practicing advocate in the district court, and Legal Services Authority secretary M. Kanaka Durga took the initiative in organising the meeting. District Judge G. Radha Rani said that there is a need to create awareness about child marriages in all the communities.
Superintendent of Police B. Sumathi said that the cooperation of community members is very important in preventing child marriages. Ascertaining the age of bride and groom at the time of marriage is essential. Information about child marriage can be passed to RDO/MRO/panchayat secretary, and police should act even on oral complaint, said Justice Kanakadurga. Sayed Ghouse Moinuddin, president, All India Minority Muslim Association, Justice Durga Prasad, Justice Ramana Rayulu, Child Line Director M.S. Chandra and others were present.
