16-year-old resists child marriage to continue her education

Komal Gautam, a 16 year old studying in class 9 of Medha Balika Inter College, in Chamrupur Block, Laxmanpur District, Pratapgarh. Her father passed away recently and has left behind Komal, her sister Ruby and her mother. After her father’s death, Komal's maternal aunt Saraswati Devi constantly pressured her mother to marry Komal.

Her Aunt had tried to take her away from her hostel several times. This didn’t stop Komal and her sister Ruby, they kept resisting the marriage. Saraswati Devi kept harassing Komal and her mother for marriage to a point where she contacted the Aarohini team and informed them about her case. Aarohini team took quick action and contacted Childline Lucknow and Childline Pratapgarh and registered the case

Sangeeta ji of Lucknow ChildLine spoke to Komal's maternal uncle and aunt with the members of the 181 helpline and explained the legal consequences of pressurizing Komal and her mother for marriage in any way. They also warned her that if they do to harass Komal and her family or try to marry Komal, then strict action will be taken against them. Komal is now back at her hostel and is completing her education at Laxman Pur's state school.