Supreme Court Pulls Up States For Not Filing Status Report About Implementation Of Domestic Violence Act

The Supreme Court has pulled up States and Union Territories (UTs) for not filing Status Reports over the implementation of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (DV Act).

The Court has allowed a time of four more weeks subject to the payment of Rs. 5,000/- as costs.

The two-Judge Bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Prasanna B. Varale directed, "The counsel for the respective states have sought for some more time to file status reports. Hence, four more weeks are granted to file status reports subject to payment of cost of Rs 5,000 to the Supreme Court mediation centre."

The Bench took note of the submission made by the Petitioner's counsel that several States and UTs did not file their Status Reports despite the direction from the Apex Court.

The Court observed that States of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Odisha, Telangana, West Bengal, and Assam were among the defaulters.

Furthermore, it was informed to the Court that UTs of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Lakshadweep also did not file the Status Reports.

"Pay cost of Rs 5,000 and file it. If you don't file it, next time it will double", Justice Nagarathna said.

On December 2, 2024, the Court in its Order, said that the Status Report had to be filed with regard to implementation of the DV Act. On January 17, 2025 the Court extended the time for filing of the status reports by the States and UTs till February 14, 2025.

While hearing the case in November last year, the Court said that the prayers in the Petition were essentially for the implementation of the DV Act and while issuing notices, the Court observed that the obligation for the implementation of the law not only rested with the Centre but also with the respective State Governments.

The Petition sought directions to the authorities for the proper enforcement and implementation of the provisions of the DV Act apart from the directions for adequate appointments, notification and establishment of protection officers, service providers, and shelter homes as directed under the said Act. It also sought initiation and strict implementation of awareness campaigns related to crime against women.

Accordingly, the Apex Court listed the case on March 25, 2025.

With PTI Inputs