The NHRC has issued a notice to Rajasthan chief secretary on the basis of findings by its investigative wing that several child marriages were solemnised recently in Bikaner and Jodhpur without any objection from the authorities.

Taking suo motu cognizance of a news report that child marriages would be solemnised on April 29, 1998, the day of `Akshay Trithiya' (considered auspicious for conjugal life), NHRC swung into action directing the director general of its investigation division to keep an eye on the event and report the matter, Commission sources said.

A senior superintendent of police from the Commission, who visited Bikaner and Jodhpur, witnessed a ``considerable'' number of child marriages taking place ``with great celebration and gaiety and without any obstructionfrom the authorities or the members of the public.'' The Commission observed that the State government had a statutory obligation under the Child Marriages Restraint Act (CMRA), 1929 to prevent the evil practice and to initiate appropriate proceedings in accordance with the provisions of the Act.