Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Rebukes Officials Over Child Marriages and Rising POCSO Cases
The CM warned district chiefs they will face accountability for law and order lapses to curb rising anti-constitutional forces.
Overview
- He cited 700 child marriages in 2024-25 and condemned failures to enforce prevention laws or file FIRs in many cases.
- He noted 1,395 POCSO cases registered between January and April 2025 and demanded strict legal action against all offenders.
- He instructed DCs and SPs to take preventive peace-keeping measures instead of conducting post-incident reviews and said they would be held directly responsible for any breakdown.
- He directed the resolution of 13 pending farmer suicide relief cases in two districts, including Haveri, and urged immediate disbursal of compensation.
- He highlighted that Karnataka’s maternal mortality rate, although down 30% year on year, still exceeds Kerala’s and urged further improvements in institutional deliveries and medical infrastructure.