'Attempt to marry off 14-year-old girl in Malappuram is a disgrace to Kerala’

MALAPPURAM: The Manjeri District Sessions Court on Friday strongly criticised the attempt to marry off a 9th-standard girl. The court said the actions of the girl's parents were a disgrace to Kerala. The court also asked for a detailed report to be submitted before January 30. It remarked that such an incident happening in Kerala, a state that claims 100% literacy, is unacceptable.

The case involves a 14-year-old Class 9 student from Kadampuzha, where her parents and relatives had arranged her marriage on October 11. Acting on a tip-off, Kadampuzha police intervened and halted the ceremony. When the girl was later brought before the court, she said she did not want to marry and wished to continue her education.

Police had registered a case against ten people, including the parents and relatives. The court made its observations while considering their anticipatory bail plea. Bail was granted on the condition of two sureties of one lakh rupees each. District Principal Judge K. Sanil Kumar also directed the Child Marriage Prohibition Officer to visit the girl’s home every six months until she turns 18 and to monitor her education.