The Supreme Court has taken action in a case involving the forced marriage of a minor girl in Bihar, arranged by her parents to settle a debt. The girl, aged 16 and a half, was married to a 33-year-old man. Following the wedding, the girl was subjected to harsh treatment and abuse, with her schooling being stopped and her access to her family restricted. She eventually sought refuge with a friend and filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking the annulment of her marriage.
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Bihar government and sought status reports from the authorities. The court has also ordered the DGPs of Bihar and Delhi to provide security to the girl and her friend. The petition details that the girl was forced into marriage with the older man, going against her desire to continue her education. Additionally, the petition includes claims of physical and mental abuse she endured in her marital home.