The Supreme Court of India issued notice Monday to the Central Government in a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking proper implementation of the mandatory provisions of Chapter III, of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. The court sought proper implementation of the provisions for the appointment and functioning of protection officers and service providers, and for effective establishment of shelter homes for the protection of victims of domestic violence.

The PIL was filed by non-governmental organization (NGO) “We The Women of India.” The NGO asked for proper implementation of the Domestic Violence Act. They said that it is essential that contact details of concerned protection officers or the service providers, as well as the shelter homes, are readily available to aggrieved women for necessary and timely assistance. Also, the organization demanded for initiation of and strict and regular implementation of the awareness campaigns related to crime against women.

Lastly, the group contended that it is mandatory for all the districts in each state and union territory to have a prepared list of protection officers, service providers, and shelter homes. This list would contain all contact details and would be made available on the official websites of the Ministry of Women and Child Development. This list would also be available in all the police stations of each district, as well as on the website of the National Commission and State Commission for Women.

The Domestic Violence Act provides relevant recourse to the aggrieved person/complainant for directly approaching the protection officers, service providers, and/or shelter homes for help. Chapter III of the act deals with the powers and duties of protection officers and service providers, and it elucidates how such authorities are required to act when a domestic violence complaint has been lodged.