Current Affairs20th January 2026
Karma Nirvana is deeply concerned by today’s court outcome in which an Imam, who conducted illegal marriage ceremonies for two 16-year-olds, received a suspended sentence. Under UK law, the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 makes it illegal for anyone under 18 to marry in England and Wales.
This case highlights the very concerns we raised in our “One Year On” report assessing the impact of the new legislation in 2024. In the report, we warned that poor implementation and lack of awareness about the law were creating risks that children could still be subjected to illegal marriages. The defendant claimed he was unaware the law had changed – a point that echoes what we continue to hear on our National Honour Based Abuse Helpline. Even today, victims and families report that safeguarding professionals, including social workers, are sometimes unaware that the law now prohibits under-18 marriages, leaving children at risk.
Child marriage is not only illegal but harmful, disrupting education, creating dependency, and increasing vulnerability to exploitation. Faith and community leaders have a critical responsibility to ensure children are protected and that the law is followed.
Karma Nirvana is actively addressing these gaps. Today, our police trainer is delivering training in Northampton, helping local officers understand the law and recognise child marriage risks – directly relevant to this case.
We urge the government, local safeguarding partnerships, and community institutions to improve awareness, guidance, and enforcement so that children are fully protected. Suspended sentences in such cases risk sending the wrong message about the seriousness of child marriage.
We remain committed to supporting children at risk of forced or underage marriage and to ensuring that the protections intended by the 2022 legislation are fully realised in practice.