Srinagar, March 8, KNT: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has directed that a woman IPS officer conduct an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the alleged marriage of a 19-year-old girl with a 46-year-old already married man, observing that the matter may reveal “vulturish practices” targeting vulnerable girls in rural areas.
The directions were issued by Justice Rahul Bharti while hearing a petition seeking protection in connection with the case.
The court observed that the issue cannot be treated as a routine dispute and requires deeper scrutiny as it raises serious concerns about the safety and possible exploitation of young girls.
During earlier proceedings, the court noted that its timely intervention had prevented the life of the 19-year-old girl from “going waste.”
The girl, whose identity has been withheld, was produced before the court from the Open Shelter for Girls in Nowgam Srinagar, accompanied by a social worker. Her mother also appeared in person and acknowledged that there had been a lapse in parental vigilance that contributed to the situation.
The court observed that the case has “far-reaching legal implications” and directed that proceedings continue suo motu rather than being limited to restoring custody of the girl to her family.
Justice Bharti also placed the role of a religious preacher who allegedly solemnised the marriage under scrutiny.
The court said the alleged Nikahnama dated November 14, 2025 must be examined to determine whether there exists a criminal network involving self-styled religious figures or individuals exploiting vulnerable girls.
The court further directed that the role of the advocate who filed the petition be examined. The Registrar Judicial was asked to issue notice to the lawyer for personal appearance, warning that coercive measures could follow if he avoids service.
A sealed-cover report submitted by a social worker from the Open Shelter for Girls was also taken on record by the court. The court observed that the contents of the report “do not make a happy reading” regarding the circumstances of the girl.
While ordering that the custody of the girl be restored to her mother, the court directed a woman police officer to ensure that both safely board public transport to their native place and record vehicle details to confirm their movement.
The court also appointed advocate Sehreen Zehra as amicus curiae to assist in examining broader legal and social issues raised by the case, particularly concerning the vulnerability of young girls in rural areas.
Additional directions were issued to ensure the girl’s safety. The Senior Superintendent of Police, Bandipora, was directed to provide security to the girl and her mother to prevent any threat from the alleged husband or any associate.
The court further directed the One Stop Centre for Women in Bandipora to immediately reach out to the girl and her mother, with assistance from the Women Police Station, to provide psychological counselling and support services.
During the subsequent hearing on March 3, the court directed the government to nominate a woman IPS officer posted in Kashmir province to conduct the inquiry, noting that the matter may have inter-district ramifications.
The court said the investigation must examine whether similar predatory practices are operating in rural areas where vulnerable young girls may be lured or manipulated into marriages under misleading circumstances.
The government’s counsel was asked to inform the court about the officer assigned for the probe.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on March 9, 2026, with directions to the registry to ensure compliance with the court’s earlier orders. [KNT]
