Conducting a child marriage is illegal and hence must be brought to the attention of appropriate authorities. Anyone can file a complaint and report a child marriage, including the child. It doesn’t matter whether the child marriage has taken place or not as it can be filed at any time before or after the marriage. A complaint can be made to any of the following authorities:
Call 1098
1098 is a toll-free number and it operates across India. It is operated by Childline India Foundation which works for child rights and child protection. Anyone, including children themselves, can call and give information on this number. Childline will work with the police in filing complaints on child marriages taking place.
Report to Police
You can call the Police on 100 to report:
- About a child marriage that is taking place or
- A child marriage that is about to take place.
Alternatively, you can even go to a Police Station where you can file an FIR and report the child marriage so taking place/about to take place.
Report to Child Marriage Prohibition Officer
You can approach the local Child Marriage Prohibition Officer for reporting child marriages. He will immediately proceed to take action against the persons responsible.
Report to Child Welfare Committee
You can even approach the Child Welfare Committee in your area/district established under the law for juvenile justice to look into the matter. For example, in Delhi you can contact the committees based on the districts.
File a Complaint with the Court
You can even directly file a complaint with the Judicial Magistrate (First Class) or the Metropolitan Magistrate to report a child marriage. The Court will order the Police or the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer to take necessary action either to stop an ongoing child marriage or one that is about to take place.
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