15 Special Cells Have Been Created To Address The Concerns Of Inter-Caste Couples Fearing Honour Killing: Delhi Govt Informs Delhi HC [Read Order]

While addressing the Division Bench of Justice JR Midha and Justice Brijesh Sethi, the Delhi Government further stated that the Deputy Commissioner of Police of respective districts will be the coordinating officer for these Special Cells which will function in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court in the case of Shakti Vahini v. Union of India.

The said information was given in the writ petition filed by Dhanak of Humanity, wherein the lack of the implementation of the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in the Shakti Vahini case was highlighted.

Moreover, these Special Cells are co-terminus with the police districts in Delhi.

While presenting the case of one of such inter-caste couples facing threat of honour killing, the Petitioner organisation had argued that the Delhi Government is yet to implement the measures envisaged by the apex court for the protection of the inter-caste couples.

In its status report, the Delhi Government submitted that the Social Welfare Department has informed the Home Department that a request has been made to the Delhi Commission for Women for extending the helpline '181' to couples who are victims of honour killing.

The court was also informed that a Safe House has been established by the Social Welfare Department to accommodate couples facing threats of honour killing. Such Safe Houses are run on the basis of the following norms:

1. Separate residential area will be provided to men and women
2. Adequate dining area, water facilities, and first aid facilities will be provided
3. Arrangement with the nearest hospital for emergency medical needs, and with the nearest police station for security purposes, will be provided.