'Provide full security': SC directs Bihar, Delhi senior cops to ensure safety of minor girl seeking annulment of marriage

The Supreme Court Wednesday asked the Bihar director general of police and Delhi Police commissioner to provide security to a girl who was allegedly forced into a marriage with a contractor, and is now seeking its annulment after escaping from her in-laws' house.A bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan also directed the senior police officers to ensure that no harm is caused to her or her friend who held her escape. The court also sought a status report from the police on the next date of hearing on July 15.

- GNS News Agency

In her plea, the girl claimed to have been forcibly married to Bihar-based contractor Jai Shankar on December 9, 2024, when she was 16 and a half years old, towards the repayment of the debts owed by her parents. Alleging physical abuse by the 33-year-old man, she also sought the annulment of her marriage with him under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. "Her husband, who is a civil contractor, claimed that the petitioner's parents were indebted to them and she would have to continue in the marriage rather than go for further studies to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher or a lawyer," her plea said.