15 District Special Cells Constituted For Protection Of Inter-Caste Couples, Lodging & Counselling Facilities Available: Delhi Police To HC

Delhi Police has informed the Delhi High Court that a total of 15 district special cells were constituted in August 2020 for providing protection to the inter-faith married couples and facilities like lodging, bedding, couple counselling and medical assistance from the nearest hospital under police protection are provided to them.

However, the police said only 17 couples have been "dealt by Special cells" in the entire capital. The Court in a status report has been informed that the special cells, which were constituted on August 28, 2020, comprise of respective DCP as coordinating officer along with District Social Welfare Officer and District Women & Child Development Officer as its members.

The submission has been made in pursuance of an order passed by Justice Jasmeet Singh last month directing the Delhi police to file a detailed status report indicating the number of cases dealt with by the district special cells, facilities provided therein and advertising of the cells for couples' awareness.

In its status report, the Delhi Police has apprised Court that a standard operating procedure (SOP) has been issued on March 24, 2021 setting out the functioning, facilities and services provided by district Special Cells.

"Facility of lodging bedding meals, counselling to the couple through probation officer and medical facility from thew nearest hospital under police protection are provided by these special cells," the status report states.

Furthermore, the city police has told Court that any victim can call at women helpline number 181 and after receiving of complaint and enquiry, the requirement of safe house will be conveyed to concerned District Magistrate for the couples to be shifted safely.

"As regards publicity / advertisement, it is submitted that, the SOP and list of District Special Cells is uploaded on website of Department of Social Welfare of GNCT of Delhi. In addition to this, it is further submitted that Delhi Police is also going to publicise the same on social media and also on website of Delhi Police. An SOP has also been issued by Delhi police in this regard," the police said.

The matter has been listed for hearing on November 18.

The status report has been filed in a plea by NGO Dhanak of Humanity which was approached by an inter-faith couple, seeking shelter in a safe house.

The couple claimed that they were facing threat from their families and alleged that they were facing difficulty in getting a rented accommodation in the city. The couple had married in March last year under the Special Marriage Act against the wishes of their parents.

The plea seeks directions for creation of special cells in South Delhi District in accordance with a Supreme Court ruling.

As per an earlier status report filed by the SHO, Mehrauli Police Station, no complaints or PCR Calls were made by the couple to the concerned police station under whose Jurisdiction they were residing. Accordingly, it was stated, the District Special Cell, South District came to the conclusion that the case was unfit for providing shelter in a safe house.

On being unsatisfied with the status report, the Court had noted that the same failed to indicate the details of facilities and services provided by special cells. 

The Court had then noted that it was also not revealed that how the said special cells were being advertised or publicized so that citizens and couples of inter caste marriages are aware of their existence, including the methodology of approaching the cells.

Advocate Utkarsh Singh represents the petitioner NGO in the matter.

Case Title: DHANAK OF HUMANITY & ORS. v. STATE (NCT OF DELHI) & ANR