Amid the lockdown because of the pandemic, the cases of domestic abuse/violence are on the rise. The Delhi High Court on 18.04.2020 has directed the National Commission for Women (NCW), the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW), the Delhi Government and the Union Women and Child Development Ministry to hold a meeting concerning measures required under the Domestic Violence Act to protect the victims of domestic abuse/violence.
All India Council of Human Rights, Liberty & Social Justice filed a PIL seeking guidance from the Court to ensure that effective and adequate measures are introduced and enforced to support victims of domestic abuse/violence. During the hearing held on Saturday, the Central Government submitted that the Ministry of Women and Child Development had already released an Office Order dated 25 March, noting the increase in cases of domestic violence due to the lockdown.
Upon hearing the parties, the Court ordered that a high-level meeting of the respondents be held to consider the Petitioner’s recommendations and to agree on what additional steps could be taken to reduce the incidences of domestic abuse and to protect the victims.
Coram of Hon’ble Mr Justice J.R. Midha and Hon’ble Ms Justice Jyoti Singh said: “This Court is of the view that the respondent Nos.1 to 6 should convene a meeting at the highest level to consider the suggestions of the petitioner made in the petition as well as the application filed today. Respondents shall also deliberate on what additional measures can be undertaken to curb the incidences of domestic violence as well as towards protection of the victims.”
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