The marriage of a 14-year-old girl from Tiruverumbur scheduled to take place on March 4 was stalled in Tiruchi on Friday.
The Childline and District Social Welfare Office intervened to thwart the marriage bid on instructions from Collector Jayashree Muralidharan.
The girl who was betrothed to her 27-year-old cousin had dropped out from school almost a year ago. After counselling the bride and her parents against going ahead with the wedding, the Collector obtained an undertaking from all parties concerned that they would not proceed with nuptials till the girl attained the legally marriageable age of 18.
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A case would be booked against the proprietor of the marriage hall as the hall had been rented out without confirming the bride's age, Ms.Muralidharan said.
The Collector also conferred with ward councillors and local area leaders to keep them in the know, and ensure they facilitated the girl's reinstatement in school in the coming academic year.