In a groundbreaking achievement in the fight against child marriage, Kriti Bharti, renowned Rehabilitation Psychologist and Founder of Saarthi Trust, Jodhpur, legally annulled two child marriages of minor couples in a single day—a rare and courageous legal victory in India’s ongoing battle to end child marriage.
What makes this feat even more remarkable is that both annulments were secured in just three days of court proceedings. Acting on behalf of the minor victims, Kriti Bharti filed and argued both annulment cases in the Family Court of Jodhpur on April 16, 2015. The swift and historic verdict was delivered on April 18, 2015, by Justice Bhalaram Parmar, coinciding with Akshay Tritiya, a day traditionally associated with mass solemnization of child marriages across parts of India.
With sharp legal insight and deep psychological support, Kriti Bharti successfully presented the cases, highlighting the violation of children’s rights and the lifelong psychological trauma caused by forced child marriages. Her efforts ensured that both minors were legally freed from their unlawful unions, allowing them a chance at a brighter, self-determined future.
This dual annulment stands as a significant legal precedent and a moral victory against regressive practices. It adds to Kriti Bharti’s growing legacy of child protection—having already spearheaded numerous such annulments through Saarthi Trust, one of India’s leading organizations combating child marriage and advocating child rights.
Her work continues to inspire legal reform and social awareness across the nation, reminding India that no tradition is above the rights and dignity of a child.
