With the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act mandating that hospitals report teenage pregnancy cases to the police, several instances of child marriages are coming to light in the Union Territory.
As per section 19 of the POCSO Act, a person who is aware of a minor engaging in sex, even if consensually, has to report the matter to the police as the law prescribes the age of consent at 18 years. “In this regard, we have been getting a number of cases pertaining to teen pregnancy, both within the system of marriage and elopements. It is a matter of concern, sociologically and health wise, that we are getting such a large number of cases,” Director General of Police Manoj Kumar Lal told The Hindu.
