BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 12th February 2026: Sepahijala district administration has issued a stern warning against child marriage, declaring that no individual involved in such practices will be spared from legal action. Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Sepahijala, Subhash Dutt, made it clear that cases will be filed not only against parents and guardians but also against relatives, priests, decorators, neighbours, and any other person participating in a child marriage ceremony.
The warning was delivered during an important meeting on child marriage and child protection held at 10 am on Thursday at the video conferencing hall of the Sepahijala District Magistrate’s office. The meeting was jointly organized by the Centre for Development and Peace Studies (Guwahati), UNICEF, and the Sepahijala district administration.
Addressing the gathering, the ADM highlighted the alarming prevalence of child marriage in the district. He informed that 319 girls were rescued from child marriage last year alone, and 13 cases have been registered over the past two years. He stressed the need for collective efforts from all stakeholders to eliminate the practice and ensure that Sepahijala becomes free from child marriage.
Dr. Debashree Debnath, Assistant Professor at National Law University Tripura, also addressed the workshop, focusing on the legal and social dimensions of child marriage. She emphasized that legal action would be initiated against guardians and all individuals involved in conducting such marriages. She underscored the importance of raising public awareness about the consequences of child marriage and the necessity of child protection. She further stated that the role of the media is crucial in spreading awareness and supporting preventive efforts.
Among those present at the workshop were Sanjay De of the Social Welfare and Social Education Department, Anima Debbarma, in-charge of Social Welfare and Social Education, Arunabh Goswami, Assistant Director of the Centre for Development and Peace Studies, Bhabatosh Ghosh, President of Bishalgarh Press Club, Tajul Islam, and Abhijit Barman, Editor of Sonamura Press Club, along with several district journalists.
Journalists attending the workshop shared their views on child protection and the eradication of child marriage in the district and assured the administration of their full cooperation in awareness and enforcement efforts.
Officials stated that several key issues concerning child protection and strategies to end child marriage were discussed in detail during the workshop.
