SC steps in to ensure protection for domestic violence victims

In a landmark move aimed at strengthening the enforcement of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, the Supreme Court on Tuesday (May 20) issued a slew of directions to the Central Government, States and Union Territories to ensure full and effective implementation of the law.

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A bench, comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma, passed the order while hearing a plea filed by the NGO, We the Women of India.

The Court expressed serious concern over the continued gaps in implementing the DV Act and said that it was time the law be translated into "real and accessible support" for aggrieved women.

Among the key directives the court said, mandatory appointment of Protection Officers across all districts and talukas, as required under Section 9 of the Act.

Officers from Women and Child Development department are to be identified and designated for this role within six weeks.