Assam: Court gives life sentence to Amir Ali, 20 years to Firdus Alom in landmark child marriage case

Guwahati: In a groundbreaking legal development in Assam, Morigaon district court has delivered a historic verdict, sentencing Amir Ali to life imprisonment and Firdus Alom to a 20-year jail term in a significant child marriage case. This ruling, stemming from Moirabari PS Case No-182/21 and relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, underscores the gravity of such offences.

The identities of the victim remain undisclosed due to legal reasons. An intriguing aspect emerged during the trial, revealing that Merajul Islam had intimidated both the victim and witnesses. Consequently, Islam was arrested under Morigaon PS Case No 14/24, facing charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.

This judicial decision is a crucial milestone in the ongoing battle against child marriages in India. The recent repeal of the outdated Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act 1935 by the Assam government, spearheaded by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, further emphasises the state’s commitment to legal reforms. In response to opposition allegations, CM Sarma vehemently declared, “Till I am alive, I will not allow child marriage to take place in Assam,” pledging a comprehensive eradication of the practice by the year 2026. This legal action, coupled with legislative reforms, marks decisive steps in addressing the pervasive issue of child marriages in the region.