The Kerala High Court on Monday issued an interim order granting protection to the woman at the centre of the widely discussed “viral girl” case linked to an interfaith marriage. The court directed that she cannot be handed over to any person without its permission. The court also ruled that she cannot be taken outside its jurisdiction against her wishes. The police protection already being provided to the woman will continue for the time being. Court expresses surprise over NCST order During the hearing, the court examined the English translation of an order issued by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST). The order had directed the police to hand over the woman to the Madhya Pradesh Police in accordance with law and produce documents related to the revised date of birth before the High Court. Justice Thomas questioned how the commission could issue such an order when the High Court was already hearing the matter. The court also raised questions about the NCST’s authority to issue such directions while the case was pending before it. Officer reprimanded for writing directly to High Court registrar The court expressed strong displeasure over the SHO of Ernakulam Central Police Station directly writing to the High Court Registrar. Justice Thomas observed that information concerning such matters should have been placed before the court through the government lawyer. The court questioned how a police officer could bypass the government counsel and Advocate General and write directly to the Registrar. The court directed the government side to brief the concerned officer about the proper procedure. Date-of-birth dispute already pending before MP High Court The petitioner’s counsel told the court that the woman was above 18 years of age at the time of her marriage and that this fact had already been verified by a court in Madhya Pradesh. It was also submitted that her original birth certificate was subsequently cancelled without her knowledge. A petition concerning the dispute over her date of birth is already pending before the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The petitioner also claimed that no order issued by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes had been formally provided to her. High Court directs police protection to continue The High Court observed that, prima facie, there appeared to be merit in the petitioner’s submissions. It therefore directed that police protection for the woman should continue until the next hearing. The court directed the state government and concerned police officials, including the Kochi City Police Commissioner, to ensure that the woman is not taken outside their jurisdiction without a court order or against her wishes. The court further said that if she feels threatened, she can directly contact the police or the woman protection officer appointed for her. Immediate and adequate protection must be provided upon receiving such a request. Next hearing scheduled for next week The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for next week and directed all concerned parties to produce the relevant records. Until then, the interim order providing police protection and prohibiting the woman from being handed over to anyone without the court’s permission will remain in force.