The 18-year-old wed ex-husband Rakesh, 20, when he was just three in the
northern state of Rajasthan.
She only found out about the marriage THIS MONTH when her in-laws
showed up to take her away.
She grew up with her family but was oblivious to the arrangement.
Child marriages are illegal in India but still common in rural areas.
Laxmi said: “I was unhappy about the marriage. I told my parents who did not
agree with me, then I sought help.
“Now I am mentally relaxed and my family members are also with me.”
She went for help to the Sarathi Trust in Jodhpur which campaigns against
enforced child marriages.
Bos Kriti Bharti said: “She did not like the boy and was not ready to go ahead
with her parents' decision so she decided to refuse this marriage.
“It is the first example we know of a couple wed in childhood wanting the
marriage to be annulled, and we hope that others take inspiration from it.”
Rakesh, who only has a first name, initially wanted to stay married but after
counselling, relented. Both signed an affidavit declaring it null and void.
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