Exposing Lies, Triumph of Truth: 'Child Bride' Married at 9 Gets Freedom after 9 Years, Husband Denies Child Marriage but 'Saarthi' Presents Evidence, Court Annuls Child Marriage

Jodhpur. After being shackled in the chains of child marriage at just 9 years old and enduring torment for nearly a decade, child bride Seema has finally won her battle for freedom from child marriage. With the support of Saarthi Trust's Managing Trustee, rehabilitation psychologist and child rights advocate Dr. Kriti Bharti, Seema's child marriage has been annulled. Judge Varun Talwar of Jodhpur's Family Court No. 2 delivered a historic verdict annulling Seema's child marriage, sending a strong message against it. Tears of joy flowed from Seema and her family's eyes after the court's decision.

Saarthi's Support Becomes Lifeline, Filed Case in Court 1.5 Years ago

Currently around 20 years old, Seema's child marriage took place in 2015 in a rural area of the district under societal pressure, when she was about 9 years old. As she grew older, Seema rejected the bond of child marriage. In the meantime, she learned about the campaign of child and women's rights advocate and Managing Trustee of Saarthi Trust, Dr. Kriti Bharti of campaign of annulling the child marriages. About 1.5 years ago, with Dr. Kriti's help, Seema filed a petition in Family Court No. 2 to annul her child marriage.

Dramatic Twist: Boy Denies Child Marriage, Solid Evidence Presented

During the court hearing, the case took a dramatic turn when Seema's so-called husband outright denied that the child marriage had taken place. At this point, Dr. Kriti Bharti, representing Seema on behalf of Saarthi Trust, gathered and presented several documentary proofs related to the child marriage in court. She also submitted evidence of Seema's age and other key facts, fully exposing the truth before the court.

Family Court's Historic Verdict: Child Marriage Proven, Immediately Annulled

Judge Varun Talwar of Family Court No. 2 deemed the presented evidence credible and labeled the boy's repeatedly changing statements as misleading, ordering the annulment of Seema's child marriage. The court stated that a change in societal mindset is essential to eradicate evils like child marriage.

Dr. Kriti Has Annulled 55 Child Marriages, Prevented Over 2200

Notably, Dr. Kriti Bharti of Sarathi Trust achieved the country's first annulment of a child marriage. So far, she has annulled 55 child marriages and prevented more than 2200. Her campaign has been recorded in World Records, Asia Book, and Limca Book of Records. CBSE has included her campaign in the Class 11 curriculum. Dr. Kriti has received numerous national and international awards, including Marwar-Mewar Ratna, inclusion in USA based Taffd Magazine's World Top Ten Activists list, and BBC's 100 Most Influential Women list.

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What They Say-

"Now I will shape my future."
"The chains of child marriage were never acceptable to me. With Dr. Kriti Didi's help, I gathered courage, and today I am free. Now I will shape my own future." 
— Seema, young woman freed from child marriage

"This is truly a victory for truth. Every educated person should oppose child marriage. Efforts are now underway for Seema's excellent rehabilitation."
— Dr. Kriti Bharti, Rehabilitation Psychologist & Managing Trustee, Saarthi Trust