The Delhi High Court on Saturday Issued Notice to Centre and Delhi Government on a plea filed by All India Human Rights Counsel of Human Rights Liberties and Social Justice which had sought directions from the court with regards to a public health and social crisis due to pandemic outbreak of COVD-19 i.e. Domestic Violence and Child Abuse.
A Bench of Justice J.R. Midha and Justice Jyoti Singh has issued notice to National Commission for Women (NCW), Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) along with Center and State Government and list the matter for further hearing on 24th April, 2020.
The Counsel appearing for AICHLS Ms. Mithu Jain and Mr. Arjun Sayal sought directions from the court with regards to a public health and social crisis due to pandemic outbreak of COVD-19 i.e. Domestic Violence and Child Abuse.
The petition mentioned the tweet of The United Nations Secretary General – António Guterres that says, “I urge all governments to put women’s safety first as they respond to the pandemic.”
The counsel for the petitioner informed the court that there are only 17 protection officers appointed in Delhi and cannot be approached. The Court however, part heard the matter on Friday directing NCW, DCW, State and Central Government to submit notes by Saturday on the steps being taken for containment of domestic violence and to protect the victims during the lockdown.
Counsel appearing for the central government on Saturday submitted that advisory has already been issued by Ministry of Women and Child Development dated 25th March, 2020 regarding the similar issue as raised in the petition. He also submitted that the cases received in the Grievance Redressal Cell of Women Welfare Society are being taken care of and NCW has also launched WhatsApp number (7217735372) to address the cases.
Whereas, the counsel appearing for Delhi Government informed the court that a 24X7 Helpline No. 181 is on place for addressing the issues faced by women. He also added that they have established three government women institutions and have recognized 14 Women Shelter Homes run by NGOs.
However, Advocate Mithu Jain suggested the court that travel passes should be given to the Protection Officers and their contact numbers should be published in public domain. She also suggested the court to, “Make silent lines operational which can cater to victims who are not in a position to openly and freely report such incidents due to abusers being home and there being a restriction on the movement due to lockdown,”
Delhi High Court has directed Ministry Of Women And Child Development, Ministry Of Health And Family Welfare, Department Of Women And Child Development- GNCTD, National Commission For Women, Delhi Commission For Women And Ministry Of Information and Broadcasting to convene a meeting at the highest level to consider the suggestions of the petitioner made in the petition and shall also deliberate on what additional measures can be undertaken in order to curb the incidences of domestic violence as well as towards protection of the victims.
Considering the issue to be serious the Court has issued notice to NCW, DCW, NCTD and Central government and has listed the matter for Friday i.e. 24th April, 2020.
-India Legal Bureau