On June 18, the Indian Supreme Court stepped in to protect a 16-year-old girl from Bihar who escaped a forced child marriage arranged to pay off her parents’ financial debts. The court also granted protection to her friend who helped her escape the situation and is now facing kidnapping charges.
The minor girl was allegedly forced to marry 33-year-old contractor Jai Shankar. She has approached the Supreme Court under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, seeking annulment of the marriage and protection from further harm. She also reported physical abuse by the contractor, who has been identified as respondent no. 4 in the case.
A bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan directed the Director General of Police, Bihar and Commissioner of Police, Delhi to ensure full safety of the petitioner and her friend.
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"Learned counsel for the petitioner was heard. This writ petition has been filed by a minor under Article 32 of the Constitution of India through her nearest relative. The petitioner has alleged that she has been forcefully married to respondent no. 4 despite being a minor," the court said.
The girl alleged that her family did not support her during this difficult time. Instead, the contractor and his family members are allegedly threatening her and her friend who helped her escape. Due to these threats and lack of parental support, she approached the Supreme Court for relief.
"We direct the Director General of Police, Bihar and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi to provide full security to the petitioner to ensure that no harm comes to the petitioner and his next friend," the bench ordered.
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"We direct the police officers to issue necessary directions to remain in touch with the petitioner and his next friend so that in case of any emergency, necessary assistance may be provided."
The Supreme Court also ordered the concerned authorities - respondent number 1 and respondent number 2 - to submit separate status reports in sealed covers before the next hearing.
The matter is now scheduled to be heard again on July 15, 2025.
Case Details: |W.P.(C) No. 589/2025
