Team Mangalorean - Sullia
from Shreyas Nadubail

Sullia: A marriage that was to take place between a 22-year-old groom and a girl of 15 years from the taluk on Thursday, July 12 was called off after officials intervened in time.

The groom is from Sonangeri near here and the girl from Manimajal near Kanakamajal. All arrangements had been made and invitations had been distributed. However, the department of women and child welfare came to know about it.

Since the girl was 15 years and 11 months old, it would have been a minor's marriage. Hence child development project officer Neerabidire Narayana and supervisor Shailaja from here visited the girl's house on Wednesday. The bride-to-be and her mother were away, having gone to Puttur to buy clothes.

Then they visited the bridegroom's house and asked them to stop the marriage, failing which, action would be taken against them, they said. By evening, they again went to the girl's house and warned them also, besides informing the police.

Both families claimed to be ignorant of the law prohibiting marriage of underage individuals. Since they were distantly related and knew each other very well, the marriage was arranged, they explained.

Finally, both the families agreed on a way out. Since it was too late to inform all the invitees and heavy amounts had been spent on preparations and hospitality, the occasion would be treated as 'engagement'.

It was also agreed that the marriage would be held once the girl would attain the age of majority