Haryana Child Marriage Spike: Karnal Leads Alarming Cases

Haryana has recorded a significant number of child marriage complaints, with Karnal district leading in the period of April 2025 to March 2026. The district reported 82 cases, making up over 20% of the 402 total complaints across the state. Fatehabad, Sonepat, and Panipat followed with 43, 33, and 31 cases respectively.

Earlier, from April 2024 to February 2025, Haryana logged 335 child marriage complaints, with Karnal again at the forefront with 65 cases. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) also highlighted that child marriage among women (aged 20-24) stands at 11.9% as of 2023-24.

Despite the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, which sets the legal age at 18 for women and 21 for men, enforcement remains a challenge. Officials find it difficult to detect cases, often relying on information from friends, and the conviction rate is low. Deep-rooted social concerns and parental fears about children choosing their own partners contribute to the persistence of early marriages.

Authorities are directing protection-cum-child marriage prohibition officers (PPOs) in high-case districts to collaborate with NGOs and stakeholders. These efforts aim to raise awareness about child marriages in villages, educational institutions, and slum areas to combat this critical issue.