Srinagar: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has ordered 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 matter seeking protection. The court said the case cannot be treated as a routine dispute and requires deeper scrutiny as it raises serious questions about the safety and exploitation of young girls.
In earlier proceedings, the court noted that its timely intervention had prevented the life of the 19-year-old girl from “going to waste”. The girl (name 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 admitted that there had been a lapse in parental vigilance that led to the situation.
The court observed that the case had “far-reaching legal implications” and directed that the proceedings continue suo motu rather than merely restoring the girl’s custody to her family.
Significantly, the court placed the role of a religious preacher (moulvi) who allegedly solemnised the marriage under scrutiny, stating that the alleged Nikahnama dated November 14, 2025 must be examined to determine whether a criminal racket involving self-styled peers and tantriks preying on gullible girls exists.
The court also ordered that the role of the advocate who filed the petition be examined, directing the Registrar Judicial to issue notice to the lawyer for his personal appearance and warning that coercive measures could follow if he avoids service.
A sealed-cover report submitted by the social worker of the Open Shelter for Girls was taken on record by the court, which noted that the report “does not make a happy reading” regarding the girl’s circumstances.
At the same time, the court ordered that the custody of the girl be restored to her mother and directed a woman police officer to personally ensure that both mother and daughter safely board public transport to their native place, recording vehicle details to confirm their movement.
The court also appointed advocate Sehreen Zehra as amicus curiae to assist in examining the broader legal and social issues raised by the case, particularly the vulnerability of young girls in rural areas.
Further directions were issued to ensure the girl’s safety. The Senior Superintendent of Police, Bandipora, was directed to provide full security to the girl and her mother so that they are not subjected to any threat or harm from the alleged husband or anyone acting on his behalf.
In addition, the One Stop Centre for Women in Bandipora was directed to immediately reach out to the girl and her mother, with the help of 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 stationed in Kashmir province to conduct the inquiry, noting that the case may have inter-district ramifications and, therefore, requires a comprehensive investigation.
The court said the probe must determine whether similar predatory practices are active in rural areas where vulnerable young girls may be lured or manipulated into marriages or relationships under misleading circumstances.
The court asked the government’s counsel to inform it about the officer who will be assigned the investigation and listed the matter for further hearing on March 9, 2026, while directing the registry to continue implementing the earlier directions issued in the case. (KDC)
