– underage marriage suspect arrested in Sheikhupura
– suspect involved in marriage of minors arrested in Sheikhupura.
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Authorities in Sheikhupura have apprehended a suspect involved in the alleged forced marriage of a 13-year-old boy to a five-year-old girl in the Kot Nazir area. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about child protection laws in the region.
According to the police, the suspect was taken into custody during a raid conducted to apprehend all individuals implicated in breaching the Child Marriage Act. In Punjab, it is illegal to marry before the age of 16, yet underage marriages continue to occur despite legal restrictions.
A police spokesperson stated that a case has been filed under the Child Marriage Act by an assistant sub-inspector of the Sadar Muredke police station. The FIR details the forced nature of the marriage, with the suspects fleeing upon the arrival of law enforcement.
The FIR reveals that the grandfather of the boy, Yousaf, along with his son Muzammil Abbas, confessed to forcibly marrying off their grandchild. Other individuals involved in the illegal ceremony include the father of the girl, Imran, her grandfather Amjad, and accomplices Bashir, Akram Suleman alias Chana, and Arshad who made the arrangements. The marriage was officiated by Umar Hayat.
Under the ‘The Child Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Act 2015’, the suspects face charges for violating laws prohibiting underage marriages. In 2015, Punjab set the legal marriage age at 16, with increased penalties for offenders under the Punjab Marriage Restraint Act 2015.
Proposed Legislation to Combat Underage Marriages
The Punjab government has drafted the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2024, aiming to prevent marriages involving individuals under 18 years of age. Penalties for those arranging or participating in such marriages include imprisonment ranging from two to three years and fines from one to two lakh rupees.
Furthermore, parents or guardians facilitating underage marriages could face imprisonment for up to three years and fines ranging from Rs100,000 to Rs200,000. The proposed legislation underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of minors in the region.
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– underage marriage Sheikhupura arrested
– suspect involved underage marriage Sheikhupura arrested.
