The Delhi High Court, on Thursday, called for responses from the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) and the city government regarding a petition filed by several lawyers. These legal professionals, who serve in the commission’s rape crisis cell, are contesting their precarious short-term contracts and the non-payment of what they claim are inadequate salaries.
Justice Subramonium Prasad has mandated that the DCW and the Delhi government submit their responses within three weeks, setting the next hearing for July 3. The petition highlights concerns about the lawyers’ unstable job security and financial distress due to intermittent contracts that require renewal every two months—a situation that has persisted since their initial appointments in 2016.
The lawyers, who are stationed across various district courts, reported that despite their crucial roles, they are compensated with a monthly salary of Rs 42,000, which is also subjected to tax deductions. They argued that the non-payment of their salaries since December 2023 represents a violation of contractual agreements and undermines fundamental labor and justice principles, affecting the DCW’s ability to maintain a skilled legal team.
During the proceedings, senior advocate Rajshekhar Rao, representing the DCW, disclosed that the commission employs counselors who receive only Rs 25,000 per month. He also referenced an April 29 directive from the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi ordering the immediate termination of all contractual staff within the commission. Additionally, Rao noted the absence of permanent posts at the DCW, an issue that has not been addressed despite multiple representations to the government.
