Shillong, Jan 23: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), East Jaintia Hills, in collaboration with the ASHA Unit, organized a Legal Literacy Programme-cum-Street Play today to raise awareness on the Prevention of Child Marriage. The initiative, under the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA) and National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), aimed to educate communities on legal provisions and foster participation in building a child marriage-free society.

The street play highlighted a case where a 16-year-old girl was married to a 20-year-old boy, leading to legal action against the husband and the officiating priest. Additional Public Prosecutor M. War explained the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, and stressed that encouraging or facilitating child marriage can attract legal consequences, including under the POCSO Act.

The programme, attended by senior legal officials and DLSA staff, also informed the public about helplines 1098, 15100, and the Bal Vivah Mukt Portal for reporting child marriage cases. This campaign forms part of Phase-II of Meghalaya’s 100 Days District-wise Action Plan for Prevention of Child Marriages, observed from January 5 to February 4, 2026.