A 16-year-old girl has petitioned the Supreme Court, seeking to nullify her marriage, which she claims was forced upon her. The petition highlights that she was married to a 32-year-old individual against her will and faced physical and mental distress in her marital home. The girl is determined to pursue her education. This case is being argued under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
The petitioner contends that her marriage occurred without her consent and resulted in suffering and hardship. She seeks the court’s intervention to declare the marriage void, allowing her to resume her education and restart her life. She is presently residing with her friend, Saurabh Kumar, who supports her.
An FIR was lodged by the girl’s mother on April 4th at the Pipalava police station in Patna, accusing Saurabh Kumar and his family of kidnapping. The petition alleges that this FIR was filed to compel the girl to return to her marital home. The girl is requesting the Supreme Court to halt any coercive actions based on the FIR and to ensure the safety of herself, Saurabh, and his family.
The petition invokes Articles 32 and 142 of the Constitution. Article 32 safeguards 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. The girl appeals to the court to intervene, nullify the child marriage, and protect her rights to education and freedom.
This case represents an important fight against child marriage. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, criminalizes marriages of girls under 18 and boys under 21. The girl’s plea aims to defend her rights and raise public awareness about the issue of child marriage.