Child marriage complaints dip, early interventions rise in K’taka

Mysuru: Karnataka is seeing a gradual decline in child marriages, with improved early intervention helping authorities stop a majority of cases, government data shows.In 2025, officials recorded 3,044 complaints of child marriage, slightly lower than 3,127 in 2024. Of these, 2,394 attempts were prevented in 2025, up from 2,323 the previous year, while FIRs dropped to 650 from 804, indicating more cases being halted before they could take place.Replying to MLC K Govindraj in the legislature, women and child welfare minister Lakshmi Habbalkar said that in 2023, 2,605 complaints were received, with 1,775 marriages stopped and 830 FIRs registered.District-wise, Belagavi reported the highest number of complaints in 2025 (260), followed by Mysuru (187) and Chitradurga (181). Chitradurga, however, recorded the highest incidence of child marriages, followed by the Malnad region of Shivamogga.Officials attribute the persistence of the practice to adolescent-related issues, the influence of social media, and entrenched superstitions in some communities.At the same time, authorities say rising complaint numbers reflect better awareness and quicker reporting. "Most complaints are received at the preparatory stage," said Mahadeva Kote, a member of the Child Welfare Committee in Mysuru. "With Child Marriage Prohibition Officers now appointed at the village level, intervention is happening earlier, helping prevent marriages before they occur."