The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Delhi and Bihar Police to provide full protection to a 16-year-old girl who alleged that she was forcibly married to a 33-year-old contractor in Bihar to settle her family’s financial dues.
A Bench comprising Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan issued the directions while hearing a writ petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution by the girl through her “next friend”. The petition sought annulment of the marriage under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and sought protection from her family and in-laws.
The petitioner informed the Court that she had been subjected to physical abuse by her husband and faced threats when she attempted to leave the marital home. She further claimed that her parents were complicit in arranging the marriage and had not supported her after she tried to escape.
The girl, who had recently completed her Class 10 board examinations, expressed her desire to continue her education. However, according to the petition, her in-laws opposed her plans and discouraged her academic pursuits. The Court was also told that after she fled with a friend for safety, her family registered a kidnapping case against the friend, which her husband was allegedly pursuing with threats of violence.
Taking note of the serious nature of the allegations, the Court passed detailed protection orders. The Bench stated:
“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.”
The Court further ordered both Delhi and Bihar Police to file separate status reports in sealed cover before the next date of hearing. The matter will now be taken up on 15th July.
