Rising Child Marriages in Mysuru

Introduction to Child Marriage in Mysuru

The number of complaints relating to child marriage reported to Child Helpline number 1098 in Mysuru has increased significantly over the past few years. According to the latest data, the number of complaints has risen from 194 in 2023-24 to 310 in 2025-26. This trend is a cause for concern, as child marriage is a serious issue that affects the well-being and future of children.

The District Child Protection Unit has been working to prevent child marriages and has intervened in several cases to stop them from taking place. However, in some cases, the marriages have been solemnised later, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and action.

Understanding Child Marriage

Child marriage is a complex issue that is deeply rooted in social and cultural norms. It is a practice that involves the marriage of a child, typically a girl, to an adult or another child. Child marriage is a violation of human rights and is prohibited under Indian law.

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, is the primary legislation that governs child marriage in India. The Act prohibits the marriage of children and prescribes penalties for those who facilitate or participate in child marriages.

Causes and Consequences of Child Marriage

Most of the families involved in child marriages take the girl and boy to remote locations to solemnise the marriage, making it difficult for authorities to track and prevent them. The matter often comes to light only when the girl is admitted to a hospital during pregnancy, following which it is brought to the notice of the Child Protection Unit.

The majority of the cases have been registered in the jurisdiction of police stations in Mysuru city, H.D. Kote, Periyapatna, and Hunsur, where child marriage cases are more prevalent. Venkatesh, a member of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, noted that complaints related to child marriage are highest in Mysuru taluk, followed by Periyapatna, Hunsur, and H.D. Kote.

Statistics and Trends in Child Marriage

Of the 173 complaints received between April and September 2026, FIRs were registered in 32 cases in which child marriages had come to light only after the marriages had taken place. In 2025-26, FIRs were registered in 23 cases of child marriage out of the 310 complaints received.

The growing popularity of Child Helpline No. 1098 and increased public awareness have encouraged people to alert the District Child Protection Unit about child marriages. 23 people were charged in a notable case in August 2026, in which a child marriage was prevented near Nagavala.

Solutions and Recommendations to Prevent Child Marriage

To address the issue of child marriage, better coordination between taluk- and district-level child marriage prohibition committees is necessary. Venkatesh emphasized that Mysuru was among the five districts in Karnataka that recorded the highest number of child marriage complaints in 2024-25.

The following are some key statistics and trends related to child marriage in Mysuru district:

• 194 complaints in 2023-24
• 310 complaints in 2025-26
• 173 complaints between April and September 2026
• 32 FIRs registered in 2026
• 23 FIRs registered in 2025-26

Conclusion and Future Directions

In conclusion, the rise in child marriage complaints in Mysuru district is a concerning trend that requires immediate attention and action. The District Child Protection Unit and other authorities must continue to work together to prevent child marriages and protect the rights of children.

The government and civil society organizations must also work together to raise awareness about the issue of child marriage and the importance of preventing it. This can be achieved through education and outreach programs that target vulnerable communities and provide them with the support and resources they need to prevent child marriages.

Expert Perspectives on Child Marriage

Experts agree that child marriage is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach to prevent. Dr. Enakshi Ganguly, a child rights activist, noted that child marriage is a violation of human rights and is a major obstacle to the development of children.

Dr. Ganguly emphasized that the government and civil society organizations must work together to prevent child marriages and protect the rights of children. She also noted that education and awareness are key to preventing child marriages and that communities must be empowered to take action against the practice.

Implications for Readers in India

The issue of child marriage has significant implications for readers in India. Child marriage is a widespread practice in India, and it is estimated that millions of children are married every year. The practice is more prevalent in rural areas, where access to education and healthcare is limited.

Readers in India can play a crucial role in preventing child marriages by reporting cases to the authorities and supporting organizations that work to prevent the practice. They can also raise awareness about the issue and educate their communities about the importance of preventing child marriages.

What to Watch Next

The issue of child marriage is likely to remain a major concern in India in the coming years. Readers can expect to see increased efforts by the government and civil society organizations to prevent child marriages and protect the rights of children.

The implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, is likely to be a major focus area in the coming years. The government is also likely to launch new initiatives to prevent child marriages and support victims of the practice.