The Allahabad High Court has directed an investigation into Arya Samaj institutions operating in various localities of Prayagraj, amid concerns of fraudulent marriages that may contribute to human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
The court has instructed the Police Commissioner of Prayagraj to personally oversee the probe.
Justice Vinod Diwakar of the Allahabad High Court passed the order while hearing a group of 42 petitions, including one filed by Mansi, who claimed that she married at an Arya Samaj institution on Nawab Yusuf Road, Prayagraj.
The institution claims it is registered and affiliated with the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha in Lucknow.
The court has asked the police to gather detailed information about the names, addresses, and areas where these marriage institutions operate, as well as the details of their presidents, secretaries, and priests who conduct marriages.
Additionally, the court directed the police to investigate whether any of these individuals have criminal backgrounds.
The court emphasized the need to examine how these institutions contact runaway couples and whether they use fake documents to issue marriage certificates.
The court has also called for an investigation into the financial transactions of these institutions, including the fees charged for conducting marriages.
Court Flags Fraudulent Marriages, Fake Documents In Arya Samaj Institutions
In an alarming observation, the court noted that marriages conducted by these institutions may be in violation of laws such as the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
Police verification revealed that the institution issued many marriage certificates using fake documents, including forged Aadhaar cards, and falsified affidavits.
Authorities discovered that, in some cases, the petitioners’ names and addresses were incorrect.
The High Court emphasized that such fraudulent marriages could fuel human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and even bonded labor.
It expressed concern over the emotional and psychological trauma experienced by minors caught in these situations, driven by social insecurity.
The court has asked the Police Commissioner to submit a sealed report detailing the investigation findings by the next hearing, scheduled for 25 September 2024.
Meanwhile, the court will hear the case through video conferencing.
Petitioners, including Mansi, argued that they had married against the wishes of their families and now fear for their safety. They have requested court protection.
The court’s directive is a crucial step in addressing the growing concern over the misuse of Arya Samaj institutions for facilitating illegal marriages, and its impact on vulnerable individuals.
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