NEW DELHI, Feb. 13 -- The arrest of over 2700 persons on charges of allegedly marrying minor girls or facilitating/solemnizing child marriages in Assam has generated mixed reactions.

Reportedly, the crackdown started following a decision taken by the State Cabinet to reduce infant mortality and maternal mortality rates as also prevent child marriages. So, those who marry girls aged below 14 are liable to face action under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. Likewise, those who marry girls in the age group of 14-18 years will be tried under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.

Child marriages are prevalent for a variety of reasons. Worldwide, 650 million girls and women alive today were married in c...