Evil of child marriage pushing Raj backwards: Justice Somani

Rajasthan High Court judge Dinesh Chandra Somani today said the evil of child marriage has pushed the state backwards.

"Despite changing times, people have not abandoned the practice of child marriage. It hampers physical and mental growth and affects the progress of the society," he said while inaugurating a special campaign in Karauli district to curb child marriage.

Organised by the District Legal Services Authority and the district administration, the campaign will continue till June 30.

Society cannot progress until the practice is completely shunned, Justice Somani said, adding those directly or indirectly supporting child marriages are equally guilty in the eyes of the law.

"Be it a guest or priest or photographer, all are equally punishable for supporting the practice," he said.

Speaking at programme against child marriage here, organised here, the secretary of State Legal Services Authority, S K Jain, said child marriage is practised in 16 districts of Rajasthan and it needs to be completely abolished.

"People need to support and inform us. We are holding campaign at district level and raising awareness about the ills of child marriage," Jain said.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)