The Supreme Court has directed all states and UTs to appoint protection officers at district and taluka levels. This move aims to ensure timely help and safety for women facing domestic abuse.
New Delhi: Today, On May 20, The Supreme Court of India has asked all states and union territories to immediately appoint officers from the Department of Women and Child Development at both the district and taluka (sub-district) levels as Protection Officers under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
These Protection Officers are responsible for helping and safeguarding women who are facing domestic violence.
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They act as a bridge between the victim and the legal system, ensuring that the victim gets the help and support she needs, including legal aid, shelter, and protection orders from the court.
This direction came from a bench of two judges — Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma — who were hearing a case related to the poor implementation of the Domestic Violence Act across the country.
The court gave clear instructions to the top government officials in every state and union territory, including the Chief Secretaries and the Secretaries of the Women and Child Welfare or Social Welfare Departments.
They were told to work together and ensure that the task of appointing Protection Officers is completed at the earliest.
The bench said,
“The Chief Secretaries of the States/Union Territories and the Secretaries of the Women and Child/Social Welfare Departments shall coordinate and ensure designation of officers at the district and taluka level as protection officers under the Domestic Violence Act.”
This step has been taken because many women who are facing domestic abuse are unable to get timely help due to the absence of dedicated officers.
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The court wants to make sure that there is at least one Protection Officer available in every district and taluka to assist such women.
Justice Nagarathna, known for her work in women-centric cases, emphasized the seriousness of the matter and the urgent need to fix the gaps in the implementation of the law.
She said it is the duty of every state and UT to follow the Domestic Violence Act properly and appoint the required officials without delay.
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, is a special law made to help women who are suffering physical, emotional, sexual, or economic abuse in their homes.
It is not enough to just have a law on paper — it must be applied properly, and for that, Protection Officers play a very important role.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court has reminded all state governments and union territories that protecting women from domestic violence is not just a formality.
There must be trained officers in place to act quickly and responsibly when a woman asks for help.
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The bench clearly stated,
“All States and UTs must take this order seriously and act swiftly. The lives and safety of many women depend on it.”
This direction by the court is expected to push state governments to improve the support system for women facing violence at home and make the Domestic Violence Act more effective in every part of India.
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