The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted protection to a 16-year-old girl who was allegedly forced into child marriage and directed both the Bihar and Delhi Police to ensure her safety and that of her friend. The girl had approached the apex court, stating that she had been forcibly married off by her family to a 32–33-year-old civil contractor on December 9, 2024. She alleged that the marriage was arranged because her parents had taken a loan from the man.
A bench comprising Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan took up the plea and issued notices to the Bihar and Delhi governments. The court directed the Director General of Police (DGP) of Bihar and the Commissioner of Delhi Police to provide full protection to the girl and her friend, and to make sure they are not harmed. The bench also sought a status report from both police departments on the situation.
In its order, the court instructed that police officials must remain in touch with the girl and her friend to ensure prompt assistance in case of an emergency. The minor, a resident of Bihar, filed her petition through her friend, alleging that she had been subjected to physical abuse and harassment by her in-laws after the forced marriage.
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She told the court that she had recently completed her Class 10 board examinations and wished to continue her education. However, her in-laws were not supportive of her desire to study further. The girl has requested the court to annul the marriage under the provisions of the Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006, and to provide her protection from both her family and husband.
The petitioner explained that she had voluntarily fled her home with her friend to escape the forced marriage and abuse. In response, her family reportedly filed a kidnapping case against her friend, omitting the fact that she had been married off. The plea further alleged that her husband is personally pursuing the case and has openly made threats against her. He reportedly told people in Madhopur village that he would not mind going to jail after killing her.
The petition also revealed that the husband, a civil contractor, had claimed that since the girl’s parents were in debt to him, she would have to remain in the marriage and abandon her dreams of becoming a teacher or a lawyer. The minor has sought protection from any coercive action by the police until a final legal decision is reached in the matter.
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