The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has directed that a woman IPS officer conduct an inquiry into a case involving a 19-year-old girl who approached the court seeking protection after claiming she had married a 46-year-old man. The court said the circumstances surrounding the alleged marriage raise serious concerns and cannot be ignored without a proper investigation.
The directions were issued by Justice Rahul Bharti while hearing a petition related to the alleged marriage and protection plea.
Background of the Case
The matter first came before the court when a young woman, aged 19, appeared personally as a petitioner seeking protection after claiming that she had married a 46-year-old man. Both individuals appeared before the court without legal representation during the initial proceedings.
The court noted concerns about the girl’s mental and emotional state and arranged for her to be taken into custody by the Women Police Station. She was later placed at the Open Shelter for Girls in Nowgam, Srinagar for care and supervision.
During subsequent hearings, the girl’s mother appeared before the court and acknowledged that the petitioner was her daughter. The mother admitted that a lapse in parental supervision had allowed the situation to arise.
The court eventually restored custody of the girl to her mother but continued monitoring the case due to the larger issues it revealed.
Court Raises Concerns Over Possible Exploitation
Justice Bharti observed that the case might not be an isolated incident and could indicate a broader pattern involving vulnerable young women. The court said it needed to examine whether individuals were exploiting young girls through manipulation or coercion.
The order recorded the court’s concern that such situations could involve “self-proclaimed religious figures or intermediaries” who may influence or lure young women into questionable marriages.
The bench noted that the matter had “far-reaching legal implications” and required deeper scrutiny rather than simply closing the case after restoring the girl to her family.
To assist in the proceedings, the court also appointed an advocate as amicus curiae (a lawyer appointed to assist the court) and directed authorities to examine the role of persons involved in facilitating the alleged marriage.
Inquiry Ordered by Woman IPS Officer
In its latest order dated March 3, 2026, the High Court directed the government to identify a woman IPS officer in Kashmir who can conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter.
The court emphasized that the investigation should examine how the alleged marriage took place and whether the girl had been drawn into a trap by the older man, who was reportedly already married.
“The facts have turned out to be otherwise which cannot be let go without being properly enquired and probed,” the court observed while stressing the need for a thorough investigation.
The judge further said that the inquiry might reveal practices operating in rural areas that target young and vulnerable girls.
Additional Directions by the Court
The High Court also issued several directions during earlier hearings:
- Police authorities were asked to ensure the safety of the girl and her mother.
- Counseling and psychological assistance were ordered through the One Stop Centre for Women.
- Authorities were instructed to secure the presence of the second petitioner whenever required.
The court also directed the government’s law officer to inform the court about the name of the woman IPS officer who would conduct the inquiry.
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Court’s Decision
The High Court directed the Senior Additional Advocate General to provide the name of a woman IPS officer stationed in Kashmir who can investigate the matter. The officer will examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged marriage and determine whether any wider network or misconduct is involved.
The case has been listed for further hearing on March 9, 2026.
Case Title: Petitioner vs Union Territory of J&K and Others
Case Number: WP(C) No. 200/2026 with CM No. 485/2026
Decision Date: 03 March 2026
