The girl alleged that she had been forcibly married to a contractor in Bihar to settle her parents’ financial liabilities and was being threatened for attempting to escape.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi and Bihar Police to provide protection to a 16-year-old girl who had been married to a 33-year-old man.
The Bench, comprising Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan, was hearing a writ petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution by the girl through her next friend, seeking protection and annulment of the marriage under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
The girl alleged that she was forcibly married to a contractor in Bihar to settle her parents’ financial debts and faced threats for attempting to escape the marriage. She also accused her husband of physical abuse and claimed that her family refused to support her.
The Court was informed that the petitioner had recently completed her Class 10 board examinations and wished to continue her education, but her in-laws strongly opposed it. It was further submitted that after she left home with a friend, her family filed a kidnapping case against the friend. The girl also alleged that her husband was actively pursuing the case and had issued threats to kill her.
Considering these serious allegations, the Court directed the Delhi and Bihar Police to ensure the safety and protection of both the girl and her friend. The Bench further instructed the authorities to stay in regular contact with the petitioners and to submit a status report before the next hearing.
“We direct Director General of Police, Bihar as well as Commissioner of Police, Delhi, to provide full security to the petitioner to ensure that no harm is caused to the petitioner and her next friend. We further direct to issue necessary instructions to the police authorities to be in touch with the petitioner and her next friend. In case of any emergency, necessary assistance can be provided. Respondent No. 1 and 2 submit separate status report in sealed cover to the Court by next date. List on 15th July,” the Court recorded in its order.