Married at the age of just 34 days, Sonia is free from child marriage

In Rajasthan, a child bride received the gift of freedom from the chains of child marriage. In 2005, Sonia, who became a victim of child marriage at the innocent age of only 34 days, suffered its sting for nearly 19 years. With the support and efforts of Saarthi Trust’s Managing Trustee and rehabilitation psychologist Dr Kriti Bharti, Sonia’s child marriage has been annulled. Judge Satish Chandra Godara of Jodhpur Family Court No. 1 pronounced the verdict annulling Sonia’s child marriage. As soon as this happened, tears of joy flowed from the eyes of Sonia and her family members. Dr Kriti of Saarthi Trust has so far had the child marriages of 53 couples annulled, creating a unique record.

As per information, Sonia’s child marriage took place in a rural area of Jodhpur district in 2005, when she was only 34 days old. In 2022, after the gauna ceremony, she was sent to her in-laws’ house, but due to some indecent behaviour she was compelled to return to her father’s home. After long suffering Sonia gathered courage and filed a suit for annulment of child marriage in Family Court. Dr Kriti Bharti counselled both parties. In this counselling, both sides agreed to annul the child marriage. On this basis, Judge Godara heard the matter and pronounced the decision annulling the child marriage. Sonia obtained freedom from the child marriage in just five months of judicial process. While delivering the judgment, Judge Godara said that child marriage is not only a legal offence, but a heinous act that snatches away children’s childhood, education and health. Everyone should come forward to eradicate such evils from the roots.