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 ensure protection for a 16-year-old girl who had been married to a 33-year-old man.
A 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 claimed she was forcibly married to a contractor in Bihar as a means to settle her parents’ financial debts and was facing threats for trying to flee the marriage.
She also alleged that her husband physically abused her and that her family refused to offer any support.
The Court was informed that the petitioner had recently completed her Class 10 board exams and aspired to continue her education, but her in-laws were strongly opposed to it. It was also submitted that after she left home with a friend, her family lodged a kidnapping case against the friend. The girl further alleged that her husband was actively pursuing the case and had issued death threats against her.
Taking these allegations into account, the Court directed the Delhi and Bihar Police to ensure the safety and well-being of both the girl and her friend. The Bench also instructed the authorities to maintain regular communication with the petitioners and 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.
