New Delhi, June 19 -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered protection to a 16-year-old girl from Bihar, who alleged she was forcibly married to a man twice her age and later subjected to abuse, and her friend who helped her escape the marriage and now faces a kidnapping charge. A bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan directed the Director General of Police, Bihar, and the Delhi Police Commissioner to ensure the safety of both the girl and her friend. They were also asked to provide them with emergency contact numbers to be used in case of any exigency. The girl approached the court through her friend, seeking annulment of the marriage under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, and protection from any coercive action. Her petition said she had taken her Class 10 board exams when she was married off on December 9, 2024, under pressure from her family. The groom, a civil contractor aged about 33, allegedly insisted on the marriage as repayment for financial support extended to her family. "The petitioner fears she will be killed if apprehended or forced to return," said the plea. Taking note of the threat to the minor's safety, the SC issued its protective directions and is likely to hear the matter in July....