Delhi High Court: A Division Bench of Justice J.R Midha and Jyoti Singh, JJ. has directed the Union of India, Government of NCT of Delhi, Delhi Commission of Women and others to convene a meeting at highest level to consider measures to be taken for curbing the rising incidents of domestic violence.
The High Court was considering a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by All India Council of Human Rights Liberties and Social Justice, an NGO working for human rights protection. The PIL was filed for protection of victims of domestic violence/abuse which has increased manifold since imposition of lockdown due to COVID-19.
The Court issued notice to the Union of India, Delhi Government, Delhi Commission for Women and other authorities. It was submitted by the respondents that various steps have been taken for protection of the victims of domestic abuse. Maninder Acharya, Additional Solicitor General, submitted that Ministry of Women and Child Development has already taken cognizance of the spike in domestic violence cases and issued certain directions to the District Collectors/District Magistrates concerned.
The petitioner appearing through Arjun Sayal and Mithu Jain, Advocates, submitted that certain more effective measures need to be put in place.
The High Court was of the view that the Union of India, the Delhi Government, Delhi Commission for Women and other respondents should convene a meeting at highest level to consider suggestions of the petitioner and also deliberate on what additional measures can be undertaken to curb the incidents of domestic violence as well as for protection of the victims.
The decision was directed to be taken within three days and fresh steps required for protection of the victims of domestic abuse/violence be implemented immediately thereafter. A fresh status report is also directed to be filed before 24th April, 2020, the next date of hearing. [All India Council of Human Rights Liberties and Social Justice v. Union of India, 2020 SCC OnLine Del 537, dated 18-04-2020]
