The Kerala High Court has called for a collaborative effort to combat child marriage among Wayanad’s tribal communities, emphasizing that awareness and education are key to addressing the issue.
Taking note of a troubling rise in cases where members of tribal groups face legal action under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (PoCSO) due to customary early marriages, the Court has directed the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) to spearhead an extensive awareness campaign.
The issue was initially brought to light in 2016 through a public interest plea filed by KeLSA, which was based on findings from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in Wayanad. The Court acknowledged that while child marriage has deep cultural roots in these communities, its continuation cannot be justified on the basis of tradition alone, given the harm it causes to children’s health, education, and autonomy.
A Division Bench noted that legal gaps have allowed these practices to persist and stressed that community-based interventions, rather than strict legal penalties, may offer more sustainable solutions. KeLSA has been instructed to work with NGOs, schools, and local leaders to educate tribal communities about children’s rights and the consequences of early marriage.
As part of the initiative, awareness programs will be launched in schools, tribal settlements, and community centers within the next three months. Informational materials, educational films, and specialized training for government officials will also be rolled out. KeLSA has been tasked with regularly reporting on progress, with the option to seek further legal directives if necessary.
With this directive, the Court has signaled the urgency of breaking the cycle of child marriage through education and advocacy rather than prosecution alone.
