Supreme court directs states, UTs to appoint protection officers for women's safety
New Delhi: In a significant step toward strengthening the implementation of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, the Supreme Court has instructed all states and union territories to designate officials from the Department of Women and Child Development as protection officers at the district and taluka levels.
The directive was issued by a bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma. The court stated that chief secretaries of states and union territories, along with secretaries of the Women and Child/Social Welfare Departments, ensure the timely appointment of these officers.
The bench emphasised that the appointed protection officers should actively discharge their duties under Section 11 by giving wide publicity through media to promote awareness about the provisions of the Act and ensure its effective implementation.
The court has given a six-week deadline for this process to be completed in areas where protection officers have not yet been assigned.
Additionally, the apex court stressed the importance of ensuring access to service providers, support groups, and shelter homes for women facing domestic violence. States have been directed to identify suitable shelter facilities to support women in distress.
This directive came in response to a petition filed by the NGO We the Women of India, which highlighted the existing shortcomings in infrastructure and implementation mechanisms under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act.
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Congress’ Umesh Meti wins Bagalkot bypoll
Bagalkot: The Congress has secured a victory in the Bagalkot Assembly by-election, with its candidate Umesh Meti winning the seat after maintaining a lead from the first round of counting till the end.
The seat had fallen vacant following the death of sitting MLA H Y Meti. Umesh Meti, his son, has now been elected to the Assembly.
Party leaders attributed the victory to a combination of factors, including sympathy votes, the state government’s schemes, and campaign strategies led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and senior leader Satish Jarkiholi.
The Congress maintained a consistent lead throughout the counting process, eventually securing a decisive win in the constituency.
