The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed its dissatisfaction with several states and union territories for failing to file status reports on the implementation of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. In a stern move, the court has granted these regions an additional four weeks to comply, albeit with a monetary penalty.
Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Prasanna B. Varale presided over the proceedings, where the petitioner’s counsel highlighted the non-compliance of several states and UTs with the court’s earlier directives. As a result, the court imposed a cost of Rs 5,000, which is to be paid to the Supreme Court Mediation Centre, as a conditional requirement for filing the overdue reports.
The states identified as defaulters included Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Odisha, Telangana, West Bengal, and Assam. Additionally, the union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Lakshadweep were also marked for their lack of reporting.
Justice Nagarathna issued a clear warning, stating, “Pay cost of Rs 5,000 and file it. If you don’t file it, next time it will double.” This statement underlines the court’s frustration and its commitment to ensuring stringent compliance moving forward.
The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on March 25, where the court expects to review the status reports. The ongoing case stems from a petition seeking more robust enforcement and implementation of the 2005 act, which aims to protect women from domestic violence. The petition also calls for the appointment of protection officers, the establishment of service providers and shelter homes, and the initiation of awareness campaigns to combat crimes against women.
