Dhubri Panchayat Member Dismissed for Child Marriage Violation
Dhubri District Commissioner Takes Action
Dhubri, Dec 23: The district commissioner of Dhubri has officially disqualified an elected member of the Anchalik Panchayat due to breaches of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
An order from the district commissioner's office revealed that Amir Ali, who was elected as an Anchalik Panchayat member from the 74-Patamari Gaon Panchayat, has been removed from his position effective immediately.
This decision follows a complaint lodged by Renuka Khatun, who accused Amir Ali and his wife of engaging in child marriage and providing misleading information in their election nomination affidavit for the 2025 panchayat elections.
A formal inquiry led by SS Goswami, the election officer for Dhubri, was conducted to investigate the claims.
The inquiry findings confirmed that Elifa Khatun, Amir Ali's wife, was born on August 20, 1997, and their son, Imran Khan, was born on February 23, 2013.
At the time of her first child's birth, Elifa Khatun was only 15 years, 6 months, and 3 days old, indicating that the marriage occurred while she was still a minor.
The order highlights that this situation constitutes a violation of the legal marriage age as outlined in the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
Additionally, it references Section 111(2) of the Assam Panchayat Act, 1994, which prohibits individuals from being elected or continuing in positions within local government if they or their spouse have breached the legal marriage age.
Citing Section 111(2) of the Assam Panchayat Act, 1994, along with Rule 62(4)(b) and (c) of the Assam Panchayat (Constitution) Rules, 1995, the district commissioner has mandated Amir Ali's disqualification and removal from the Anchalik Panchayat. His seat has been declared vacant immediately.
Copies of this order have been sent to relevant authorities, including the panchayat and rural development department, the Assam State Election Commission, the Dhubri Zila Parishad, and the Dharamsala Anchalik Panchayat for their information and necessary actions.
This order reflects the administration's commitment to enforcing child marriage laws and upholding the integrity of elected local self-governance.