A 16-year-old girl has petitioned the Supreme Court to annul her forced marriage, alleging it occurred against her will. The petition details that she was married to a 32-year-old man and endured physical and mental abuse in her marital home. She asserts that she wants to continue her education and live independently. The case is brought under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
The petitioner claims the marriage was conducted without her consent and that she suffered mistreatment at the hands of her husband. She has requested the court to declare the marriage void, allowing her to pursue her education and rebuild her life. She is currently living with her friend, Saurabh Kumar, who is providing support.
An FIR was filed by the girl’s mother on April 4th at the Pipalava police station in Patna, accusing Saurabh Kumar and his family of abduction. The petition claims this FIR was filed to force the girl to return to her in-laws’ home. The girl has requested the Supreme Court to stay any coercive action based on the FIR and has sought protection for herself, Saurabh, and his family.
The petition invokes Articles 32 and 142 of the Constitution. Article 32 grants the right to petition the court for the enforcement of fundamental rights, while Article 142 empowers the court to pass orders for doing complete justice in any cause. The girl urges the court to intervene in her favor, nullify the child marriage, and protect her rights to education and freedom.
This case represents a significant step against the social evil of child marriage. Under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, marriage of a girl below 18 years and a boy below 21 years is illegal in India. Despite this, forced child marriages persist. Through her petition, the minor girl seeks not only protection of her own rights but also to raise awareness in society.
