'Sensitization on Prohibition of Child Marriages, Law and Social Perceptions' at A.P. Judicial Academy, by Tharuni & I.I.P.A.

Tharuni Executive Director Dr. Mamatha Raghuveer and Dr. P. Hemalatha Devi, Executive Member, I.I.P.A., addressed the Newly Selected 65 Jr. Civil Judges at A.P. Judicial Academy  from 10 a.m to 1 p.m on 10th July 2013 on the topic"Sensitization on Prohibition of Child Marriages, Law and Social Perceptions".Director of the Academy, Dt Judge  Sri Avadhani , Addl and Jt Directors, Faculty Members, I.I.P.A. Treasurer Dr. Avn. Reddy attended  the seminar.
Dr. Hemalatha, in her presentation explained the plight of girl children with early marriages. Marriage creates a social bond for the family, leading to human development. Judiciary is an integrator of  values in the society. It has to bridge the gap between Law and Justice, with human touch and social conciousness, while implementing the law of the land..
Dr. Mamatha , in her power point presentation for  two hours, explained the prohibition of child marriages, in a social context, how it ruins the life of the girl child, and role of  Tharuni in combating the social evil for the last one decade.She quoted the Prime Minister's statement,saying 'Court plays  a pivotal role as a catalyst, an organizer, a mentor, an umpire, a participant, and above all a role model.'  While discussing on the details of the Prohibition Act of 2006 in detail, she made an appeal to Judicial Officers to try to eradicate early marriages by  following these few points.

1. Kindly improve the registration of cases against child marriages, within their purview.
2. Try to keep the enforcement machinery in their place.
3. Encourage Public Prosecutors to take interest in Child marriage cases.
4. Guide the Police to submit correct evidence. 
5. Take punitive action in few cases at least to create fear among the people.
6. Encourage compulsory registration of marriages to combat child marriages.
7. Take suo motto  cognizance of offences under the Act.
8. Sec.13 (4)-Judges are Prohibition Officers in mass marriages.
9. Educate Panchayat members to file complaints and report child marriages.
10. Educate people at large on this issue through Lok Adalats, Legal services Authorities,and awareness camps.
11.  Pursue to set up separate child help line for children to resist child marriages.
12. Please remember to decide cases  in the best interest of the child.