Meena, a 16-year-old girl, had just completed her 10th standard. Due to poverty and financial constraints, her parents decided to marry her off to Prakash, a 32-year-old man.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Q7. Meena, a 16-year-old girl, had just completed her 10th standard. Due to poverty and financial constraints, her parents decided to marry her off to Prakash, a 32-year-old man. During discussions, Prakash’s family demanded a dowry of 10 lakh rupees. Unable to afford this amount, Meena’s father offered 2 hectares of land instead. Both families reached an agreement, and the engagement date was set. Three days before the marriage, a concerned citizen reported the illegal engagement to the Child Welfare Department. The department officials, acting swiftly, intervened to stop the engagement ceremony, citing the illegality under various child protection laws. They counseled both families about the legal and social implications of child marriage. The families agreed to cancel the engagement and postpone the marriage until Meena turned 18. However, hours after the engagement was stopped, Prakash attacked Meena’s parents, severely injuring them. He then forcibly dragged Meena out of her house and beheaded her before fleeing the scene with her severed head. (20 M)
Given the situation, answer the following:
• Identify the stakeholders in the case and the ethical issues involved in the case.
• Briefly describe at least four laws that have been enacted by the Government concerning the protection and empowerment of girls.
• In your opinion, what broader societal changes are needed to prevent such incidents of child marriage and dowry-related violence?
Difficulty Level: Medium
Why the question The grave issue of child marriage, dowry-related violence, and the failure of legal and societal mechanisms in preventing such crimes against girls. It tests ethical analysis, knowledge of protective laws, and perspectives on societal reforms. Key Demand of the Question The answer must identify stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case, discuss relevant laws protecting girls, and suggest broader societal reforms needed to eliminate child marriage and dowry-related violence. Structure of the Answer Introduction Briefly introduce the case as a severe violation of child rights, linking it to legal and ethical concerns surrounding child marriage and gender-based violence. Body Identify major stakeholders, including the victim, families, authorities, and the community, and highlight ethical dilemmas such as patriarchy, rule of law, and gender violence. Briefly describe four key laws protecting girls from child marriage, sexual offenses, exploitation, and dowry-related crimes. Suggest broader societal measures such as gender sensitization, stricter law enforcement, community engagement, and economic empowerment of girls to prevent such incidents. Conclusion Emphasize the need for legal vigilance and attitudinal shifts to ensure gender justice, referencing data or initiatives showing progress while highlighting the need for continued efforts.
Why the question The grave issue of child marriage, dowry-related violence, and the failure of legal and societal mechanisms in preventing such crimes against girls. It tests ethical analysis, knowledge of protective laws, and perspectives on societal reforms.
Key Demand of the Question The answer must identify stakeholders and ethical issues involved in the case, discuss relevant laws protecting girls, and suggest broader societal reforms needed to eliminate child marriage and dowry-related violence.
Structure of the Answer
Introduction Briefly introduce the case as a severe violation of child rights, linking it to legal and ethical concerns surrounding child marriage and gender-based violence.
• Identify major stakeholders, including the victim, families, authorities, and the community, and highlight ethical dilemmas such as patriarchy, rule of law, and gender violence.
• Briefly describe four key laws protecting girls from child marriage, sexual offenses, exploitation, and dowry-related crimes.
• Suggest broader societal measures such as gender sensitization, stricter law enforcement, community engagement, and economic empowerment of girls to prevent such incidents.
Conclusion Emphasize the need for legal vigilance and attitudinal shifts to ensure gender justice, referencing data or initiatives showing progress while highlighting the need for continued efforts.