Navi Mumbai Man Faces Serious Charges for Marrying Minor Girl from Adivasi Community
A 22-year-old man from the Adivasi community in Navi Mumbai has been formally charged by police authorities for entering into a marriage with a 16-year-old minor girl, an incident that resulted in the birth of a child at Alibaug Civil Hospital. The Uran police station has registered a comprehensive First Information Report (FIR) that includes serious charges of rape under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act alongside violations of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
Medical Report Triggers Legal Action
The case came to official attention when Alibaug Civil Hospital reported a medico-legal situation involving the minor mother and her newborn child. Following this medical documentation, the zero case was systematically transferred through online channels to the Uran police station for further investigation and legal processing. Police records indicate that the marriage ceremony took place in an Adivasi hamlet located within Uran taluka during September of the previous year.
Police Investigation Reveals Deliberate Violation
According to detailed statements from investigating officers at Uran police station, the accused individual was fully aware that the girl was legally underage at the time of their marriage ceremony. Despite this knowledge, he proceeded with the marital union and subsequently engaged in sexual relations that resulted in her pregnancy. The police have emphasized that the charges stem specifically from his conscious decision to marry a minor and impregnate her, both actions constituting clear violations of Indian law.
Cultural Context and Legal Response
A police official involved in the case provided important context, explaining that "In Adivasi communities, child marriage represents a widespread and deeply entrenched practice influenced by complex socio-economic factors and traditional customs." However, the officer clarified that under Indian legal provisions, child marriage remains strictly illegal regardless of cultural traditions.
The legal response has been structured to address multiple dimensions of this sensitive case:
- The FIR has been formally registered against the minor's husband for violations of both the POCSO Act and child marriage legislation
- The accused has not been taken into physical custody at this stage, as authorities recognize he currently serves as the primary caregiver for both the minor mother and their newborn child
- All legal procedures will be meticulously followed through the appropriate court system
- The specific matter concerning the child marriage offense has been formally referred to the Child Welfare Committee for necessary protective actions and interventions
Broader Implications and Ongoing Proceedings
This case highlights the ongoing tension between traditional practices and modern legal frameworks in certain communities across India. While authorities acknowledge the cultural dimensions of child marriage in Adivasi populations, they maintain that legal protections for minors must be uniformly enforced. The dual approach of pursuing legal charges while considering the family's immediate welfare needs demonstrates the complex balancing act law enforcement faces in such sensitive situations.
The investigation continues as authorities gather additional evidence and documentation, with court proceedings expected to follow established legal protocols while addressing the specific circumstances of this particular case involving a young mother, her infant child, and the accused husband.
