The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of a case involving a minor girl in Bihar who was forced into marriage to settle her parents’ debt. The parents arranged the marriage of their 16-and-a-half-year-old daughter with a 33-year-old man. After the marriage, the girl was subjected to physical and mental abuse by her husband and his family. She was denied education and restricted from visiting her family. Subsequently, she ran away with a friend and filed a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking annulment of the marriage.
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Bihar government and the Delhi Police. The court has also directed the DGP of Bihar and the Delhi Commissioner to ensure the safety of the girl and her friend. The petition emphasizes that the girl was forced into marriage to settle the debt, despite her desire to continue her studies. The court has taken serious note of the allegations of abuse within the marriage.