Hundreds of Child Marriages Reported in Tirupattur Linked to Social Media Love Affairs, Dozens of Youth Booked

Tirupattur sees hundreds of child marriages amid social media‑influenced relationships and underage pregnancies, police register cases against about 300 youth under child protection laws

Tirupattur | February 09, 2026: In Tirupattur district of Tamil Nadu, local authorities have flagged a worrying surge in child marriages and underage pregnancies, many of which stem from relationships sparked on social media platforms. Police officials say that hundreds of such child marriages have taken place as teenagers enter into romantic relationships online, leading to pregnancies and subsequent weddings involving girls below the legal age of 18. In connection with these developments, law enforcement agencies have registered cases against around 300 young men, initiating action under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and related child marriage laws.

According to officers involved in the investigation, social media has played a significant role in how young couples connect and form romantic attachments. These online interactions often escalate quickly to physical relationships and pregnancies without adequate awareness of legal protections and health risks. As a result, families in some communities have resorted to arranging marriages including child marriages to “legitimise” the pregnancies, even though such unions are unlawful under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. Experts say this pattern reflects broader societal challenges, including lack of sex education, early exposure to digital platforms, and limited access to counselling for adolescents.

Child marriage and underage pregnancy are not unique to Tirupattur; related data shows that districts across Tamil Nadu and South India grapple with similar issues. In neighbouring districts, significant numbers of teenage pregnancies have been documented, underscoring a regional trend that child rights advocates label “deeply concerning.” Such occurrences are often compounded by early marriages, family pressures, and inadequate mechanisms for reporting and preventing illegal unions.

Police and child welfare officials say that in the cases now under investigation in Tirupattur, many of the accused were booked after families reported pregnancies involving minors or following complaints from within the community. Authorities emphasise that these cases will be prosecuted under provisions of the POCSO Act and the child marriage prohibition law, which criminalise sexual activity with minors and the facilitation of child marriage. Prosecutors also noted that parents or adults who abet or perform such marriages can face legal consequences, and police are reviewing all parties involved in arranging these ceremonies.

Child rights activists argue that prevention through awareness, education, and community outreach is critical to addressing the root causes behind these incidents. They call for more robust sex education in schools, increased monitoring of underage relationships that could lead to exploitation, and stronger coordination between police, health services, and social welfare departments. Community leaders have likewise urged authorities to expand counselling services and support networks to reduce the stigma around reporting early pregnancies and seeking help without leading to illegal marriages.

As authorities continue to pursue legal action against those involved and offer support to affected families, the focus is increasingly on preventing future child marriages and protecting the welfare of minors exposed to early romantic relationships in the digital age. The situation in Tirupattur highlights not only a legal challenge but a social one, where technology, tradition, and protection of children intersect.

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