Assam: Ward member accused of child marriage faces legal scrutiny in Bongaigaon

Nureja Khatun, who serves as the ward member for ward No. 8, Kayethpara 2nd part under Dhanatola Gaon Panchayat in the Srijangram constituency of Bongaigaon district, is facing serious allegations related to child marriage. Fellow villagers Chandana Roy and Kamal Mahajan have accused her of involvement in a child marriage, placing her current elected position in jeopardy.

The accusations against Nureja surfaced when an RTI (Right to Information) request revealed that she had given birth to a child before reaching the age of 18. Her Aadhaar card indicates her birthdate as January 23, 2001, suggesting that she became a parent while still a minor.

In response to these revelations, Chandana Roy took formal steps by lodging a complaint with both the District Commissioner and the Sub-Divisional Commissioner. The complaint highlights a potential breach of legal and ethical standards expected of elected officials.

Election guidelines are clear on this matter: individuals involved in a child marriage are deemed ineligible to contest elections. This rule applies both to those who have been married as minors and to members of families conducting such marriages. These regulations are designed to uphold societal norms against child marriage and ensure that leaders exemplify lawful conduct.

The case against Nureja Khatun is now being closely watched to see what actions the Election Department will take. The department’s response could not only affect her current status as a ward member but also set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the future, reinforcing the commitment to tackling child marriage.

Nureja's situation has sparked discussions within her community and beyond, highlighting the ongoing challenges in eradicating child marriage. It raises questions about the effectiveness of current measures and the role of public officials in adhering to legal standards and social ethics.

This case adds to the broader discourse on the intersection of personal conduct and public duties. As officials are expected to uphold the laws they represent, any violation, particularly of a law as serious as those against child marriage, draws significant public attention and scrutiny.

The unfolding developments in this case will be closely monitored as they have implications not only for Nureja Khatun but also for the enforcement of child marriage laws in the region. It remains to be seen how this will impact her political career and the broader community's efforts to combat such societal issues.