The Kerala High Court has directed the state government to take decisive steps to eliminate child marriage in Wayanad’s tribal areas. A division bench, led by Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice S. Manu, stressed the need to safeguard children’s rights, asserting that while such practices may be deep-rooted in tradition, they must be addressed for the well-being of minors.
To tackle the issue effectively, the court assigned the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) the task of conducting extensive awareness programs. These initiatives will educate tribal communities on the legal consequences and harmful effects of child marriage, fostering a shift toward ending the practice.
The judicial intervention stems from a suo motu case initiated in 2016 after a report from the Wayanad District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) highlighted the prevalence of child marriage in several tribal communities, including the Paniyas, Mullukurumas, Adiyars, Kurichyas, and Kattunaikkans.
By reinforcing legal reforms and enforcement mechanisms, the court’s directive aims to ensure a safer and more secure future for children in Kerala’s tribal regions.
