A minor girl, aged 16 years and 6 months, has approached the Supreme Court, seeking to annul her marriage, which she claims was forced upon her. Her petition states that she was married against her will to a 32-year-old man and has experienced physical and mental abuse in her marital home. She wishes to pursue her education and live independently. The case is brought forth under the purview of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
The petitioner asserts that her marriage was conducted without her consent and that she endured hardships in her husband’s home. She desires to have the marriage annulled so she can continue her studies and begin anew. She is currently living with her friend, Saurabh Kumar, who has been providing support.
An FIR was filed by her mother on April 4 at the Pipalava police station in Patna, accusing Saurabh Kumar and his family of abduction. The petition alleges that this FIR was filed to compel the girl to return to her in-laws’ residence. The girl has appealed to the Supreme Court to prevent any coercive actions based on the FIR and to safeguard her and her friend’s family.
The petition references Articles 32 and 142 of the Indian Constitution. Article 32 enables individuals to approach the court for the protection of their fundamental rights, while Article 142 grants the court the power to issue orders to do complete justice. The girl requests the court to intervene, nullify the child marriage, and uphold her right to education and freedom.
This case sheds light on the social evil of child marriage. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, prohibits marriages of girls under 18 and boys under 21. The girl’s plea represents an effort to secure her rights and raise awareness about the issue of child marriage.