TN Muslim body flays stalling of minor girl's marriage

An umbrella body of Muslim organisations is up in arms against Perambalur district administration protesting the stalling of a marriage of a 17-year-old girl of their community on the ground that she was a minor.

The 'Federation of Tamil Nadu Muslim Organisations and Political Parties' on Saturday said the officials of Social Welfare Department in Perambalur had on June 25 prevented the marriage of the girl which was to take place in the presence of her parents and the groom.

The officials acted on the orders of District Collector Darez Ahamed and lodged the bride in a government home and arrested the groom, federation president Abdur Rahman claimed.

He said as per the Islamic law, a Muslim girl can marry as per her choice at the age of 15 if she has attained puberty and cited a recent Delhi High Court verdict on the issue.

"Our Shariat Law allows a woman to marry, once she attains puberty. Our Constitution recognises this. So, the district administration cannot stop the marriage saying it was a marriage of a minor girl," he said.

The leaders said they would hold an agitation in front of the Perambalur District Collectorate on July 17 demanding that the social welfare officials be dismissed from service.

ALSO READ

UPA govt has no moral right to be in power, says Amit Shah

Sajjan Kumar acquittal: Sikh protesters march towards PM's residence

Uma Bharti confident of BJP's victory in MP Assembly elections

Markandeya Katju appeals for release of Sanaullah