Supreme Court intervenes in case of minor girl’s forced marriage, orders full police protection and seeks compliance report from Delhi and Bihar Police.

Case Overview

Case Name – X (Minor) Through Next Friend vs. State of Bihar & Ors .

In a significant intervention, the Supreme Court of India stepped in to safeguard the rights and life of a 16-year-old girl allegedly forced into marriage with a 33-year-old man in Bihar . A Bench led by Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan heard her writ petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution seeking protection, annulment of her child marriage and action against threats she faces from her husband and family . The girl had recently cleared her Class 10 exams and fled to Delhi to escape the abusive environment .

Key Aspects 

The petition raised grave allegations including forced marriage, domestic abuse and threats to life . The girl’s plea reflects serious violations of child rights and fundamental freedoms .

Key issues highlighted include :

• Alleged forced marriage at age 16 to a 33-year-old contractor in Bihar .
  
• Marriage conducted to settle the financial liabilities of her parents .
  
• Petitioner faced physical abuse and threats from her husband .
  
• Her friend who helped her escape, was falsely accused of kidnapping .
  
• Her in-laws opposed her education and mobility .
  
• The girl sought protection and the annulment of her marriage .

Legal Insights

The case involves multiple legal provisions and rights violations, including :

• Constitution of India – 
• 1. Article 32 of the Constitution of India – Enables individuals to approach the Supreme Court for enforcement of fundamental rights .
     
  2. Article 21 of the Constitution – Guarantees the right to life and personal liberty which includes the right to education and protection from forced marriage .
     

• Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 –
  

• 1. Section 3 : Declares child marriage voidable at the option of the contracting party who was a child at the time of the marriage .
     
  2. Section 9 : Prescribes punishment for male adults marrying a child (rigorous imprisonment up to 2 years or fine up to ₹1 lakh or both) .
     
• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 – Provides legal remedies and protection against physical abuse .
  
• Indian Penal Code, 1860 – Section 506 for criminal intimidation; false accusation of kidnapping may attract Section 211 .

Court’s Verdict

The Supreme Court of India directed the Delhi and Bihar Police to provide full protection to the girl and her friend to ensure their safety and well-being . The Court also ordered the Director General of Police, Bihar and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi to remain in continuous contact with the petitioner . Status reports are to be submitted in sealed cover by July 15, 2025 marking the next hearing date . The Court’s intervention reaffirmed its stance on protecting minors from the grave consequences of Child Marriage and Forced Marriage .

Source- Supreme Court of India 

Read also – Article 32 of Indian Constitution