SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh has ordered a probe by a woman IPS officer into the circumstances under which a 19-year-old girl from Kashmir allegedly fell into a marriage trap with a 46-year-old already married man, observing that the matter could point to wider exploitation of young women in rural areas.
Hearing a petition in WP(C) 200/2026, Justice Rahul Bharti directed the government to identify a woman IPS officer posted in Kashmir who could conduct an inquiry into the case and examine whether similar practices are active in the region.
The Court asked Senior Additional Advocate General Mohsin Qadri to inform it about a suitable officer for the assignment on the next date of hearing.
The case came before the court after the 19-year-old girl and the 46-year-old man approached it seeking protection for their alleged marriage. During the proceedings, it emerged that the man was already married, and the circumstances surrounding the relationship raised serious concerns.
In its February 20 order, the Court observed that a moment of vigilance had helped prevent the young girl’s life from “going waste,” noting that the case required deeper scrutiny rather than routine disposal.
The Court also raised concerns about the possibility that young and “gullible” girls may be lured into such marriages by individuals posing as religious guides or spiritual healers. It said the role of the religious preacher who reportedly facilitated the alleged nikahnama dated November 14, 2025, needs to be examined to determine whether any organised racket is involved.
The proceedings have been converted into a continuing suo motu examination of broader issues relating to the safety and vulnerability of young women.
Earlier, the girl had appeared before the Court in person seeking protection. Concerned about her mental condition and the circumstances surrounding the case, the Court directed that she be taken into custody of the Women Police Station at Rambagh and shifted to the Open Shelter for Girls at Nowgam.
When the matter was taken up again on February 20, the girl was produced before the Court from the shelter home along with a social worker, while her mother also appeared in person. The Court subsequently restored the girl’s custody to her mother and directed police to ensure their safe return to their native place.
The Court also directed the One Stop Centre at Bandipora to provide psychological counselling to the girl and asked the Senior Superintendent of Police, Bandipora, to ensure the safety of the girl and her mother.
Advocate Sehreen Zehra was appointed as amicus curiae to assist the Court in examining the wider issues arising from the case, while a social worker from the Nowgam shelter home was asked to assist her.
The Court also ordered the issuance of notice to advocate Zafar Iqbal, who had filed the petition on behalf of the girl and the man, directing him to appear personally before the Court. It warned that coercive measures may be taken if he avoids service of the notice.
During earlier proceedings, the Court had also expressed concern over the absence of a woman police constable at the High Court premises when the girl was to be taken into protective custody. Senior Superintendent of Police (Security), Kashmir, Sheikh Faisal Qayoom, later appeared in person and assured that remedial steps would be taken, including the posting of a woman police officer in the High Court security set-up.
The matter is listed for further hearing on March 9.
